The South Bend Cubs (Low A; Midwest League) are aiming to serve as a catalyst for development in downtown South Bend, according to team president Joe Hart.
There has been significant change over the last several years to the baseball experience in South Bend. Four Winds Field has received several major improvements, while the franchise’s rebrand from Silver Hawks to Cubs prior to the 2015 season marked the beginning of a new era, and the team has racked up several attendance records in recent years.
In 2018, the Cubs will add another layer to their role in South Bend by opening The Ivy at Berlin Place. Led by Cubs owner Andrew Berlin, The Ivy at Berlin Place development will include residential units, a rooftop space with views of Four Winds Field, and amenities such as retail. According to Hart, this project represents another step by the Cubs to play a role in bringing more people to downtown South Bend, as it will compliment previous ballpark improvements. More from The South Bend Tribune:
When Andrew purchased the ball club, it was our goal to develop and cultivate an experience at Four Winds Field that will bring people back downtown. We wanted the ballpark to be a community gathering point that would provide an entertainment experience like no other. I think you can see that with the way we invested into the ballpark from the beginning. We have a splash pad, fun zone, Tiki hut, batting cages and more. There is something for everyone. That truly is why our team slogan from the beginning has been “Where Everyone Comes to Play.” Attracting 350,000 fans to the stadium and downtown is wonderful. It has been a pleasure to be a part of this process. We have an amazing community that supports us greatly.
Hart also provided an update on the current status of The Ivy at Berlin Place, which is expected to open in phases throughout 2018. The rooftop space is expected to be available for rentals starting in late June, with new residents moving into the apartments in July, and the entire development finished by the end of September.