Rachel Tomas Morgan South Bend Common Council

06/10/2026

Our South Bend Fire Department must be commended for their heroic work to save the historic LaFayette Building. They put their lives at risk and I am grateful that no one was hurt.

The LaFayette Building was built in 1901, but it is not just one of South Bend's oldest commercial buildings. It held significant historical value. J. Chester and Elizabeth Allen, one of the region's first husband-and-wife partnerships, established a law firm in the LaFayette and worked to combat housing and employment discrimination and to successfully desegregate the Engman Public Natatorium in 1950. J. Chester Allen was the first African American to serve on the South Bend City Council, the school board, and in the Indiana State Legislature. Elizabeth Fletcher Allen was St. Joseph County and Indiana's first female attorney.

The LaFayette was also truly unique in its architecture with a massive central atrium, interior balconies on each level overlooking the central open space, and a gorgeous skylight (glass roof) that lit up the interior with natural light. I first toured the space before the City started accepting bids on the building, and I imagined the building as a glorious boutique hotel or apartments in a modern adaptive reuse.

The future of the LaFayette Building is unknown, but we owe what's left of it to our South Bend Fire Department. Thank you.

LAFAYETTE BUILDING FIRE UPDATE | Tuesday, 12:30 p.m.

Following Monday’s fire at the Lafayette Building, the South Bend Fire Department requested assistance from the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office as part of the ongoing investigation.

A state fire investigator assigned to St. Joseph County met with SBFD personnel at the scene around 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday and began examining the building.

As a precaution and to ensure a thorough investigation, the state fire investigator also requested a search-and-rescue cadaver dog to help in searching debris in the building. No victims were found. An accelerant detection canine was also requested.

Investigators are focusing their efforts on the rear portion of the 5th floor, which sustained the heaviest damage.

Members of the Clay Fire Territory are also assisting by using a special 3D camera to help document conditions in the building.

We will continue to provide updates as they become available.

06/09/2026

Many contacted me with questions about the Rum Village Master Plan. Come this Wednesday as South Bend Venues Parks & Arts shares the final draft of the Master Plan.

The City of South Bend and South Bend Venues Parks & Arts will host an open house on Wednesday, June 10 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Technology Resource Center to share the final draft of the Master Plan for Rum Village.

Site Design Group used feedback shared by the community through multiple input sessions to curate the Master Plan, which will be used as a guide for future projects in Rum Village Park.

This event is open to the public.

05/27/2026

On Monday, we commemorated citywide events to pay tribute to those who fought for our freedom. From participating in the westside Memorial Day parade to reciting the names of over 400 deceased veterans at St. Joseph Cemetery, it was a privilege to honor and express gratitude to them on this Memorial Day.

05/10/2026

Support Bike To Work Week! Whether you are biker or just want to support South Bend being a bike-friendly city, join us for Tuesday's FREE Blueberry Pancake Breakfast, bike rides, events, & seminars throughout the week.

See https://www.michianabiketowork.org/ for more information & full listing of events.

Monday, May 11, 6-8 pm: Casual, no-drop bike ride at Pinhook Park, 2801 Riverside, South Bend. Enjoy leisurely ride on local trails. Weather permitting. Helmet required.

Tuesday, May 12, 7:30-9:00 am: World-famous blueberry pancake breakfast at Jon Hunt Plaza (outside of the Morris Civic Theatre), South Bend.

Wednesday, May 13, 5-8 pm: South Bend Bike Garage Open House at 119 Wayne Street, South Bend. Check out bikes for sale, get your bike fixed, or donate a bike!

Thursday, May 14:
3-5 pm: St. Joseph County Public Library Book Bike at Howard Park, South Bend. The Book Bike is a library on wheels. Come out to see it!

5-7 pm: Kid's Bike Night (5th-12th Grades) at Mary Gibbard Park, 1024 Somerset Ave, Mishawaka.

6 pm: South Bend Roll Out Bike Ride with several route lengths & skill levels. Following the ride, gather at South Bend Brew Works, 321 S. Main Street, South Bend, for food, drink, and friendship.

Friday, May 15, 8:30-11 pm: Cycling Community Night Ride, start at Howard Park, South Bend. Think night parage of bikes! Dress up your bike, wear fun clothes, and charge up your bike lights. Limited number of lights will be available.

Saturday, May 16:

At Beohm Park, 1600 Edison Road, South Bend:
12N-2 pm: Youth Bike Rodeo. This bike rodeo is designed specifically for smaller cyclists to teach basic bicycle safety. Bring a bike and helmet. Limited supply to lend.

At Rum Village, 2626 S. Gertrude Street, South Bend:
12N-2 pm: Go for It (Skills & Trail Ride). NICA Michiana Composite Team (5th-12th grades) will present mountain bike basics and skills classes for youth in Hank's Playground, with a trail ride afterwards. Limited number of bikes & helmets available for borrow.

12N-2 pm: Adult Skills & Trail Ride. NIMBA wil lead the way for adult trail riding.

South Bend Bike Garage
Michiana Bike to Work
South Bend Rollout

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day to all who have labored for, given birth to, and mothered in some form or another, whether your own or others' children, or ideas, or dreams!

Credits and thanks to Councilmember Canneth Lee for photo graphic.

05/09/2026

Celebrated a big win for downtown & the official South Bend Bike Garage ribbon cutting this Friday! As a Council member, I believe our most valuable work happens when we act as a bridge between organizations and the resources they need to thrive. When the Garage faced a relocation challenge, I looked to see how we could help. Huge thanks to former DCI Executive Director Caleb Bauer, Planner Chris Dressel, and the City of South Bend - Municipal Government for making this move a reality, and to Downtown South Bend and other non-profits for their partnership. Together, we found the Bike Garage a new home AND we activated a long-vacant downtown office space!

Congratulations to the South Bend Bike Garage! I look forward to seeing the continued impact you have on our community.

The South Bend Bike Garage is located at the Wayne & Main Street Parking Garage at 119 W. Wayne Street, South Bend. It is open on Wednesdays from 5-8 pm. See https://www.sbbikegarage.com/ for more information about purchasing bikes, repair assistance, volunteering, and financial support.

05/07/2026

Saturday marks the season's opening of the Linden Avenue Farmers Market! Come out and support the City of South Bend - Municipal Government's efforts to bring fresh, nutritious produce to the westside.

Near West Side Neighborhood Organization
Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc.

05/01/2026

Free 2 hour parking and after 5pm on Monday - Friday in the city owned garages! And it's free over the weekends too.

May First Fridays: Pedals & Petals is TOMORROW, Friday, May 1 from 5–9 PM. Join the Bicycle Parade at 7 PM, browse the plant sale, take the architectural walking tour, catch live music, and kick off block party season the right way.

Free. Downtown. All are welcome. 🌸

📆 May 1 | 5–9 PM
📍 Downtown South Bend

04/30/2026

Today, Notre Dame's Robinson Community Learning Center celebrated 25 years of fostering relationships and delivering educational support to families in South Bend's Northeast Neighborhood. The founders and the people who have shaped it hold a special significance for my family. Wishing the RCLC happy 25th!

02/06/2026

The new Raclin Murphy Encore Center is officially open! Come tonight 5-7 PM for the Open House.