Neighborhood Evolution: South Bend Ecosystem Excursion

Explore small-scale development in action during our South Bend excursion—tour projects, meet local leaders, and build your network.

About this Event

Join Neighborhood Evolution for an immersive field experience in South Bend, Indiana—home to one of the most dynamic small-scale development ecosystems in the country. This hands-on excursion is designed for aspiring developers, civic leaders, planners, and community builders eager to see what happens when grassroots energy meets strategic reinvestment.

Explore a thriving network of local changemakers who are repurposing underutilized buildings, building “missing middle” housing, and fostering community wealth through innovative ownership models. Led by members of the NEVO team and local partners, this curated tour will feature project walk-throughs, behind-the-scenes access, and conversations with developers, tenants, and city leaders driving change in South Bend.

Come ready to walk, learn, and connect. Whether you're starting your first project or looking to grow your local ecosystem, this trip will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to act.

Travel & Lodging

A discounted hotel block is available at Aloft South Bend for field trip attendees.

Hotel: Aloft South Bend

Group Rate: $149.00 per night

Reservation Dates: March 27-29, 2026

Booking Deadline: February 27, 2026

Book your group rate here:

For assistance with reservations, please get in touch with the Aloft South Bend sales office at 574-344-5406.

Friday, March 27


🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Opening Reception at Rocki Button

Info: Introduction to Monroe Arts District/ South Michigan Buildings - Bernice, Charity, Rachel, Rebecca, Sarah

🕑: 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Tours of Inwoods Building

🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Tours of Milkweed Commons, Monarch, and outside of Hope B

🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Conclude, walk back to Aloft Hotel

🕑: 08:30 PM - 09:30 PM
WXYZ Bar at Hotel - After glow and networking

Saturday, March 28


🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Breakfast and Networking

🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Overview of Near Northwest Neighborhood Development Projects and City Redevelo

🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Organize for Tours

🕑: 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Concurrent Tours - Break into Smaller Groups and Rotate in Geographic Segments

Info: (W) Cross Communities Projects: Harrison Street PPP Houses - Tina

(W) Property Brothers: Sherman Duplexes Rentals - Jordan

(E) NNN Projects: Four plex, Single Family New - Kathy

(E) Owner Occupied Duplex - Tom

(E) Tiny Houses - Mike

🕑: 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Return to NNN and Head to Downtown for Lunch

Info: Lunch: Downtown Restaurant Partners

🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Overview by Downtown Projects - Willow, Amy and Mark

🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Organize for Tours

🕑: 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Concurrent Tours:

Info: Dainty Maid / Center City Building - Christina

Cinco 5 Remodel - Leo

City Church - Matt G

Photographer Remodel

City Owned Structures possibilities

🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM
Conclude Tours - Break and return to hotels

🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Evening Reception / Dinner at Midtown Portage

🕑: 07:30 PM - 09:30 PM
Tours and Networking of Midtown Portage Block - Mike

🕑: 09:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Conclude and afterglow

Also check out other Nonprofit events in South Bend, Arts events in South Bend.