Eddy Street Commons adds major tenant
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – A mixed-use development in South Bend is adding a big name to its list of tenants. The University of Notre Dame and Indianapolis-based Kite Realty Group Trust Inc. (NYSE: KRG) say California-based Trader Joe’s will anchor the south end of Eddy Street Commons near the university’s campus.
The university says over the past several years, focus groups have most desired a small-format, specialty grocer. Specifically, specialty grocer such as Trader Joe’s. Construction of the grocery store is underway and Notre Dame says an opening date will be announced in the future.
“Ever since Notre Dame’s leadership and our partners in the Northeast Neighborhood began to envision a lively retail, residential and restaurant district adjacent to campus, the hope was that a grocery store would be an anchor business,” said Executive Vice President Shannon Cullinan. “This vision has been realized with Trader Joe’s, a truly iconic brand in America. We are confident that this key addition to Eddy Street Commons will be a wonderful resource in many ways for both the campus and broader communities.”
Eddy Street Commons is described as a “mixed-use, new-urbanist, pedestrian-oriented development” that is the result of a 15-year partnership between Notre Dame and Kite Realty. The university says the project’s two phases represent a nearly $300 million investment.
Phase I of Eddy Street Commons includes 170,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and office space, as well as a mix of more than 300 apartments, condominiums and townhouses. ESC also includes Fairfield Inn & Suites and Embassy Suites hotels, and a parking garage. The second phase features a new facility for the Robinson Community Learning Center, approximately 450 apartment units, restaurant space and green space.
“We are thrilled about the impending arrival of Trader Joe’s and what it will mean for the community,” said Tom McGowan, president and chief operating officer of Kite Realty Group. “Over the past 15 years, Eddy Street Commons has grown with South Bend and the University, and the arrival of Trader Joe’s is a crowning addition to the neighborhood and development.”
Trader Joe’s has more than 500 stores in 42 states and Washington, D.C.