South Bend'9s Common Council voted to approve a zoning change that clears the way for a 180-unit apartment development at 314 West Chippewa Avenue, after a committee hearing in which the project'9s developer described it as workforce- and family-oriented housing with an extensive solar component. The committee recommended the bill favorably and the council approved the ordinance on third reading.

The developer team presented plans for five three-story walk-up buildings, mostly two- and three-bedroom units, an amenity area and parking. Sam Rogers, representing Birch and Outlook, told the council the project would offer rents roughly between $900 for a one-bedroom and $1,300 for a three-bedroom, and that a rooftop-and-carport solar system would cover residents'9 electricity so tenants would pay a single rent amount without separate utility volatility.

Planning staff said the parcel has been vacant for decades and that the proposal is consistent with the council'9s housing objective to increase the supply of housing near transportation and commercial corridors. Rogers said the team expects to begin design work this fall, start construction next spring and take about 10 months from groundbreaking to opening. He also said the owner will provide on-site property management and 24/7 maintenance and that local contractors will be used for construction.

Council members asked about family amenities and site layout; Rogers described planned play areas, a pool and fitness space. No members of the public spoke against the bill during the public hearing. The committee voted to send the bill with a favorable recommendation; the council later recorded a unanimous roll call in support on third reading.

The ordinance amendments approved by the council permit the multiunit development under the property'9s revised zoning. No binding financial incentives or detailed financing terms were presented at the committee hearing.

The council vote sends the project to implementation steps overseen by city planning and permitting staff; construction remains subject to standard building permits and inspections.