The first Regional Cities project in Marshall County broke ground Tuesday morning in downtown Plymouth.
The River Gate South apartment development will bring a $10 million investment to the community with the joint efforts of the City of Plymouth, Marshall County Economic Development Corporation and developer Scott Sivan. The project consists of three buildings, with two of them having 15 apartments each and the middle structure housing 9 condominium units. There will be 12 to 14 different floor plans in the spacious living quarters. Also planned are courtyards between the buildings with BBQ areas, sitting areas, fire pits and even a garden area. The upper levels will feature a fitness center in one and a community room and roof top viewing and sitting area.
Funding for the project includes $1.5 from the Regional Cities Initiative and another $1.5 million from the City of Plymouth’s Redevelopment Commission. The City’s contribution includes the purchase of two home, which totaled just over $207,000 and five lots at $175,000. The city will be retaining a portion of all the lots for the extension of the Greenway Trail to the east. Estimated total city contribution is a little over $1.6 million. The developer will fund the remaining portion.
Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter said during the ceremony, “It’s another great day in Plymouth, Indiana.” He spoke about the housing project saying it will fuel our economy and attract jobs. After many thank-yous Mayor Senter closed his comments by saying, “Today, Plymouth is kicking in the door for something grand for years to come.”
Jerry Chavez, President and CEO of the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation said in speaking for several major employers in the area, a common issue many were facing, recruiting young talent to their operations due to lack of ideal housing in the community. When the opportunity came about with the Regional Cities Initiative Chavez joined the team to bring a great project to the community.”
John DeSalle, President of Hoosier Racing Tire and Chairman of the South Bend/Elkhart Regional Development Authority (RDA) Board said, “A few years ago the State of Indiana recognized one of the biggest challenges they had was population growth, talent attraction and talent retention.” He said for the state and cities to prosper the issue of brain drain needed to be addressed. One way to assist was with the Regional Cities grant to entice people to stay and move here by helping to fund quality in life improvements and quality of place projects. DeSalle said, “Hopefully this spurs further economic development. Other people come here and say this is the place I want to live. This is the place I want to grow my business.”
Developer Scott Sivan said he was open-minded when the development was presented to him in March of 2016. He said when he got to Plymouth and saw the site with the park and the river and felt the enthusiasm of the community he was sold on the project.
Sivan said to those gathered, “I think that Plymouth is a soon to be know jewel in the constellation of small towns in northern Indiana.” He closed his statement by saying that people will see the project breaking ground in August and with a not too intense winter the project will be ready for residents in the summer of 2018.
Scott Sivan closed his statement by saying, “We are proud to be part of the redevelopment and revitalization of the downtown.”
The ceremony was attended by City, County and State officials, as well as the Regional Development Board.
