The Elkhart Redevelopment Commission has voted, 5-0, in favor of extending an offer to purchase the real estate located at 121. W. Franklin St. in downtown Elkhart. The intention is to renovate the former Chase Bank to become the City of Elkhart’s new public safety center.

Elkhart’s need for a new public safety building arose from the police department outgrowing their current building, according to city leaders.

They say the Elkhart Police Department’s administration building as built in 1975 for a staff of 85. Today’s staff is double that number and is lacking the ability to be modernized and more efficient.

Since taking office in 2020, Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson and his staff have been working towards finding a site for a combined public safety facility. Roberson backed away from the old Bayer site because it was not centrally located.

After an extensive search, Chase was identified as having the best potential to be a new public safety center.

The former Chase Bank building has been vacant for over five years. Structural analyses have shown the building is solid, has good bones, and is primed for a renovation. At over 90,000 usable sf, there is ample room for Police, Fire administration, and 911 communications.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our public safety staff, our downtown, and for all of Elkhart. An iconic downtown Elkhart building getting a new life to serve the Elkhart of tomorrow is a win for all of us,” said Roberson. “Public Safety is critical to quality of life in Elkhart and we are thrilled to announce this key ASPIRE Elkhart project.”

Next steps include staff negotiating a purchase agreement to be taken back to the Redevelopment Commission in May for authorization. Authorization of the purchase will be contingent upon City Council appropriating funds for purchase.