Weigand Construction will serve as general contractor for Colfax Corner, the first phase of South Bend’s Tech and Talent District and a key component of the city’s Downtown 2045 plan. The project includes restoration of the historic South Bend Tribune building and construction of a new research and office facility at the corner of Colfax Avenue and Main Street.
Maintaining a South Bend office since 2015, Weigand was selected through a competitive process that evaluated project execution, experience and local commitment.
“We intentionally selected a contractor that has a real stake in the outcome of this project,” said Ancora CEO Josh Parker. “Weigand understands the regional market, has longstanding relationships with local subcontractors and trades, and brings the kind of hands-on investment that only a local partner can provide.”
A Historic Redevelopment Specialist
Weigand previously served as construction manager for West Campus at Electric Works in Fort Wayne, a mixed-use redevelopment of the former General Electric campus. The companies’ prior work together was among the factors considered in Weigand’s selection for Colfax Corner.
“Our relationship with Weigand is built on real experience together,” Parker said. “At Electric Works, we saw firsthand how the team performs on a large, complex redevelopment, including how they communicate, problem-solve, and deliver under pressure.”
Weigand has also partnered with the University of Notre Dame on nearly a dozen projects, including the Hammes Bookstore addition, upgrades to Harris Family Track and Field Stadium, and laboratory buildouts within Stinson-Remick Hall of Engineering.
Preserving a Legacy
“The Tribune has been a cornerstone of Colfax Avenue for nearly a century,” said Brian Blight, Weigand senior project manager overseeing the project. “We’re proud to help preserve that legacy while supporting a project designed to encourage innovation, collaboration and continued investment in downtown South Bend.”
Colfax Corner is transforming the historic South Bend Tribune building and adjacent property into 202,000 square feet of innovation and research space. Designed to foster discovery, entrepreneurship and collaboration between South Bend and Notre Dame, the development will house high-impact research, innovation, and community engagement programs alongside companies in advanced industries such as advanced computing, data analytics and AI.
Construction is underway, with demolition and site preparation expected to conclude by summer 2026, core and shell construction beginning in late 2026, the Main Street building topping out in Q2 2027 and initial occupancy anticipated in mid-2028. Learn more about Colfax Corner.