900 JCKSN, Elkhart
When we set out to plan what is now called The River District, no one had any idea it would morph into what it is today. Yet, we knew that we had to pursue it, that we had one shot to get this right for our community. “The District”, a term of endearment we use to describe the project, is an unbelievable opportunity to push Elkhart forward. This is an opportunity for us to have a seat at the table with millennials, gen Zer’s, Xer’s and baby boomers alike.
As a community, we are investing $30 million in public infrastructure to amenitize and activate The District. These investments are well planned and fully funded. Plans include kayak and canoe access to the waterways at the termination of JA Drive and at American Park. A new public street along the river named River District Drive, behind the current Martin’s, will activate a section of the river that’s never been accessible to the public. Plans include the continuation of the Riverwalk, from INOVA to Prairie St, creating an entirely new public space behind the Flaherty and Collins and GLC sites with public parking and access.
The city is establishing two new parks and plazas while investing in the existing Lundquist Park. This award-winning plan creates a highly amenitized neighborhood for our community. The plan also calls for 880 new residential units within the 105 acres of The District and $300 million of private investment to support these public projects.
The 900 JCKSN, formerly named Portage Place, development team came together with a vision, passion and the ability to execute while meeting the requirements of this specific project. This team is dedicated to developing Elkhart. They are dedicated to putting their time, energy and resources into making sure The District is immensely successful for Elkhart. We need additional families living in the core of Elkhart to ensure diversity and sustainability.
When we set out to design 900 JCKSN, we knew this was a special site. A site for which we could do something extraordinary. This team includes some of the best architecture and design resources in the United States. For once, students of architecture at neighboring schools will come to our town to see new and exciting buildings. We took care to frame public views into a gorgeous new courtyard, where we will plant three dozen new trees and ensure a beautiful view of the St. Joe River.
We have a significant housing shortage in Elkhart. We are at a historical low for residential inventory. This shortage will only be compounded by investments made by the city and Community Foundation in quality of place initiatives if we don’t continue the momentum and build new housing in our community. Given this site is flanked by residential uses, residential is the best use and consistent with the redevelopment plan.
This project has a target completion by 2022 as final approvals would be complete.
