Category: South Bend News

Ancora Selects Weigand for Colfax Corner Development

Posted on June 16, 2026

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.

3 Kosciusko Recreation Activities Coming Soon

Posted on June 15, 2026

In May, our team celebrated the start of construction on a special project impacting athletes, families, and surrounding communities for the better. Representatives from Grace College, Design Collaborative, the Town of Winona Lake, the City of Warsaw, and Kosciusko County came together to lift shovels, symbolically marking the beginning of a new future marked by community, wellness, and building bridges through recreation.

Bridging Communities

Weigand is serving as the construction manager for a new fieldhouse at Grace College on 1 Lancer Way in Winona Lake, Indiana. While the new facility will be used for Lancer’s athletic program training, the core purpose of the complex addition is to engage people in neighboring communities throughout Kosciusko.

The completed project will feature a U12 indoor turf soccer field, parking lot, updated road access, eight lighted outdoor pickleball courts, fitness center, weight room, and six indoor batting cages.

The outdoor facilities and indoor field will be accessible to the public for gatherings and youth sports, addressing the need for more spaces that support recreational activities.

“We’re not just adding a building to our campus, we are creating a vital resource for our entire community. We celebrate God’s goodness in providing the means to serve our neighbors in such a tangible and lasting way.” – John Sloat, Vice President of Advancement, Grace College

The Bigger Picture

Part of a series of projects for the Catalyst Corridor initiative, the Grace College Community Fieldhouse will help to build stronger ties in Kosciusko by providing spaces where students, athletes, families, and friends can gather in places designed to foster connection, share experiences, and knit a stronger social fabric. WCI is grateful for the opportunity to play a role in helping make this regional development effort a reality.

Huntington Fire Department to Receive 50 Year Update

Posted on November 21, 2025

In September, the Huntington Fire Department, representatives from Shive-Hattery, city officials, students, community members, and Weigand Construction joined together to commemorate the groundbreaking of a new fire station set to replace its decades-old counterpart on Condit Street. Located on 1005 Flaxmill Road, Huntington locals listened as city leadership, project partners, and the fire chief set the vision for the improvements to come with the addition of the 17,750 square foot, modernized facility.

“Oftentimes, the best ideas we do as a community…are ideas we’ve been talking about for a long time, and I see our task as being the ones to bring it up and bring it to fruition and accomplish the job…Working with Chief Johnson, we’ve been able to build on the vision and the imagination that goes back decades in this community; to see a fire station on this land so that we can better provide coverage to the entirety of our community in light of the growth we’ve experienced over the last thirty years.” – Richard Strick, Mayor, City of Huntington, IN

Bricks and Mortar

Sitting on a three-acre plot of land purchased in 2008 for the very purpose of constructing a fire station, the dream is finally becoming a reality 17 years later. The new building will include:

Air Filtration System
Living Quarters
Offices
Shared Community Spaces
Apparatus Bay
Training Tower

Air filtration systems are a necessity in firehouses, minimizing first responders’ exposure to harmful chemicals present during fires. Specialized vents and hoses will pull compounds out of the air and allow vehicles and equipment to safely offgas, decreasing the risk of contamination. This, along with an expanded residence hall, administrative wing, and shared meeting space will better equip firefighters stationed there from day to day. Additionally, the central location provides quicker access to more of the city, improving response times and logistics.

Investing in First Responders

Beyond a state-of-the-art facility, this project also demonstrates the city’s commitment to both community safety and the men and women who dedicate their lives to the fire service.

“Today marks more than just the start of construction on a building. It marks the next chapter in a proud tradition of service, safety, and community. For generations, our firefighters have answered the call in the most difficult of moments. They have protected our homes, our businesses, and most importantly, our families. They have done this with courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering dedication to Huntington. This station is an investment in our community and firefighters who will live here.” – Tony Johnson, Chief, Huntington Fire Department

New Fieldhouse for Falcons

Posted on November 19, 2025

Fairfield Community Schools welcomed students, families, and community members on October 30 to celebrate the grand opening of its new 33,000-square-foot athletic fieldhouse and the unveiling of its renovated theatre at Fairfield Jr./Sr. High School in Goshen.

The event marked a major milestone in the district’s ongoing commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities for student development and community engagement. The updated theatre now features modern seating, an enhanced lobby, and advanced sound and lighting systems, transforming the space into a versatile venue for performances, assemblies, and local events.

“I’m just very excited,” said Superintendent Carrie Cannon. “These facilities are going to be utilized by our students and community for years to come. I’m so thankful for everyone who played a part in making this happen.”

The evening included performances by the Falcon cheerleaders and Fairfield Marching Pride, who added festive Halloween flair to the celebration. District leaders recognized Fairfield sports teams, as well as partners, architects Garmann Miller, and Weigand Construction, whose collaboration made the vision a reality. After a ribbon cutting, guests were invited to tour the new spaces and enjoy a taco dinner.

A Year-Round Hub for Athletics

The fieldhouse is now a centerpiece of Fairfield athletics, providing an indoor track and golf simulator, multi-sport courts, a viewing deck and team store. With the new facility, junior and high school teams finally have the room they need, no longer competing for the same gym space.

Across the district, New Paris, Millersburg, and Benton Elementary Schools also saw upgrades with energy-efficient HVAC systems, new chillers, and advanced temperature controls. These improvements now provide more consistent, comfortable learning environments that support focus and well-being.

Continued Investment in Fairfield’s Future

With these projects complete, Fairfield Schools is already moving forward with additional improvements. The district has issued $12 million in bonds to fund investments in technology, facilities, and infrastructure.

Phase 2, now underway with Weigand, includes a Marching Band Practice Area to enhance rehearsal logistics and safety. Planned parking lot reconfigurations will reduce traffic disruptions, improve lighting for early and late practices, and streamline equipment movement. And upgrades to running surfaces and training facilities will expand opportunities for track, field, and cross-country athletes.

Building a Legacy of Excellence

Through careful planning and strong community partnerships, Fairfield Schools continue to invest in the academic, athletic, and creative growth of their students. With a modern fieldhouse that elevates the game-day experience and a renovated theatre that showcases the district’s artistic talent, Fairfield now offers premier spaces that celebrate both athletics and the arts.

See Photos of the Completed Fieldhouse and Renovated Theatre in our Education Portfolio

Celebrated Fire House Inspires Community

Posted on November 18, 2025

Excitement filled North Main Street as Nappanee celebrated the opening of its new fire station. After a dedication ceremony and open house on Sunday, Oct. 12, hundreds of residents and area fire leaders toured the state-of-the-art facility at 1109 N. Main Street, getting a firsthand look at the city’s latest investment in public safety.

A Needed Upgrade

The new multi-million-dollar station replaces the city’s former firehouse, which served Nappanee for 55 years and had long outgrown the department’s needs.

“This has been a long time coming,” Nappanee Mayor Phil Jenkins says. “Eight years ago, we started exploring how we could merge fire and EMS operations under one roof. This new facility is the result of collaboration, careful planning, and input from our entire community.”

With Safety In Mind

Designed by DS Architecture/K2M Design, with Weigand Construction serving as general contractor, the new station represents a significant investment in Nappanee’s emergency response capabilities and infrastructure.

The new facility includes a training tower, eight dorm rooms for full-time firefighters, five two-deep apparatus bays, and a state-of-the-art ventilation system designed to remove diesel fumes and contaminants, improving firefighter health and safety.

“This system provides a safer environment and reduces exposure to harmful materials brought back from fire scenes,” Nappanee Fire Chief Don Lehman says.

An Iconic “Foo” Fighter

The station also pays homage to Nappanee’s unique firehouse heritage. The Smokey Stover logo, inspired by the comic-strip fireman created by Bill Holman, who grew up in Nappanee, is proudly displayed throughout the building.

In 1962, Nappanee Fire received permission from Holman to use the character, cementing Smokey Stover as the department’s beloved mascot. Visitors entering the new station are greeted by a replica of Smokey’s playful “Foo” car, with comic panels adorning the walls of the station’s training room.

“The opening of this facility marks a milestone in Nappanee’s continued investment in public safety, innovation, and community pride,” Mayor Jenkins says.

The new Nappanee Fire Station officially began operations on Monday, Oct. 13.

Dive Deeper into Project Visuals and Key Features in Our Government & Municipal Portfolio

Elkhart County Educators Forum

Posted on September 26, 2025

Note: Weigand Construction is currently managing projects at Baugo Community Schools and Concord Community Schools. Of the seven school districts in Elkhart County, Weigand has active or completed projects with five: Baugo, Concord, Fairfield, Goshen, and Wa-Nee Community Schools.

School Partnerships Shaping Elkhart County’s Future

In mid-September, three Elkhart County superintendents gathered at the Matterhorn for the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce’s annual breakfast forum, where they discussed the challenges of creating new programs and partnerships and the progress schools are making to prepare students for the future.

The shared message was that public education is effective, but its success depends on consistent investment, strong collaboration, and community support.

Celebrating Student Successes

Baugo Community Schools Superintendent Byron Sanders opened the forum with news from Jimtown, where students are gaining real-world experience through career pathways and apprenticeships.

“High school students are working alongside certified teachers, learning pedagogy, practicing classroom management, and applying skills in real-world settings,” Sanders said. “These are real, meaningful experiences happening every day in our district.”

Concord Superintendent Dan Funston highlighted nearly 20 percent growth in reading scores over the past two years, crediting investments in early literacy. He also pointed to Concord High School’s entry into the Carnegie Foundation’s Future of High School Network, which emphasizes problem-solving, collaboration, and other skills beyond test scores.

“Through project-based learning, job experiences, and performance tasks,” Funston said, “students are preparing for life beyond the classroom.”

Addressing Today’s Challenges

The superintendents addressed pressing challenges facing Elkhart County schools, starting with the shortage of early childhood education opportunities. Funston described the county as an “early learning desert,” with limited preschool access and inconsistent state funding. “It’s far easier to teach children to read when they have a strong foundation,” he said.

In addition to early learning, Elkhart Superintendent Larry Huff said rising inflation, along with the recently enacted Senate Enrolled Act 1, a new Indiana property and income tax measure, are tightening school budgets in Elkhart County and across the state.

Teacher staffing remains a pressing issue. Sanders pointed to the nationwide shortage, noting research from the Learning Policy Institute released this summer showing that about one in eight teaching positions across the U.S. are either vacant or filled by someone without full certification. In Indiana, that shortage equates to roughly nine unfilled teaching positions for every 10,000 students.

Funston added that negative narratives around teaching only deepen the problem, saying schools must “uplift the profession and share its positive stories.”

Community Partnerships as Solutions

Despite these challenges, schools are finding solutions through partnerships. At Concord Community Schools, for example, work-based learning programs supported by local businesses provide students with at least 75 hours of hands-on experience addressing real-world problems.

Funston explained that employers don’t have to hire or pay students; simply presenting a workplace challenge allows schools to design project-based units around it. “These experiences show students the value of their education and prepare them for local careers with real pathways to success,” he said.

Districts are also joining forces with higher education. Elkhart Community Schools partners with Indiana University South Bend to give students a head start. High schoolers can earn college credit, and seniors benefit from a streamlined admissions process.

A Call to Action

The superintendents made it clear that schools cannot succeed alone; families, businesses, and community members are critical partners in student success.

Moderator Levon Johnson, president and CEO of the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, outlined two action steps: do the research and share the stories. He urged residents to review district websites and reports, then promote positive narratives in conversations and on social media.

“Public education remains the choice for 92 percent of Indiana families, and 97 percent of Elkhart County children attend public schools,” Sanders said. “That reflects the trust our communities place in schools — and the responsibility we all share for their success.”

Concord’s Jake Field Track: A Historic Concrete Pour

Posted on August 27, 2025

From dusk to dawn on Aug. 22, Weigand Construction crews completed Concord High School’s Jake Field competition track in one seamless, nine-hour pour.

Watch the Time-Lapse Here (Video)

By building the track as a single surface, crews eliminated the weak points that typically form between segmented sections. This continuous foundation enhances drainage and ensures long-term durability. A cushioned rubber-and-polyurethane layer will be added this fall, providing athletes with a softer, more forgiving surface.

The investment delivers long-term reliability and performance. In northern Indiana, freeze-thaw cycles are notorious for causing concrete to crack, but by removing joints that collect water and ice, the new surface is engineered to last for decades of use.

The strength and stability of this design also comes from within as the track makes use of post-tension cables, a technique found in parking decks, tennis courts, and even airport runways. As concrete expands and contracts in response to temperature changes, cracks can form. Tightened after curing, the cables compress the surface, reducing stress points and preventing water from seeping in.

A Foundation Serving Generations

“The cables come with a 50-year warranty,” the project’s Superintendent RJ Eck says, “providing Concord Community Schools confidence in the project’s quality.”

Executing the continuous pour required meticulous coordination and precision. Nearly 1,000 cubic yards of concrete were delivered in a steady rotation, with batching, placement, and finishing carefully managed throughout the day.

“A single continuous pour gives Concord athletes a lasting foundation,” Eck says. “We’re proud to deliver on our promise — Trust. Well built. — and grateful to the district’s leaders for their confidence in us.”

Significant changes are underway at Jake Field, where a major renovation is transforming the facility into a multi-sport, multi-use hub for students and the community.

The centerpiece of the renovation is a new turf system that replicates the appearance of natural grass. Beneath the surface, drainage layers and a stone base will ensure the field remains playable even after heavy rain.

Adaptive Use for Sports, Students, and Special Events

Designed for versatility, the new field will carry permanent stripes for football and soccer, with color-coded markings to keep play clear for athletes and referees. Track and field competitors will also benefit from dedicated zones for long jump, high jump, discus, shot put, and pole vault, ensuring Concord can host meets and provide students with the opportunity to train at home.

Fans will enjoy expanded seating and a new concession building with restrooms, while athletes gain a dedicated team facility complete with lockers and training rooms.

The atmosphere is receiving an upgrade as well. Musco LED lighting and a new sound system will deliver energy-efficient visibility while adding celebratory displays synchronized with touchdowns, goals, and special events.

When it reopens for the 2026–27 academic year, Jake Field will serve as a central venue for athletes, students, families, and the broader Elkhart County community well into the future.

Weigand South Bend Holds Summer Outing

Posted on July 2, 2025

Nearly 50 clients, partners, and friends joined Weigand Construction’s South Bend team for a relaxed summer gathering on Thursday, June 26, at River St. Joe, an organic farmstead brewery located in Buchanan, Michigan, just a short drive from Weigand South Bend’s downtown office.

The venue provided an ideal setting for an event focused on connection, community, and shared purpose. “Events like this give us a chance to take a step back and celebrate the relationships that make our work meaningful,” said Aaron Holy, Weigand’s South Bend Director of Operations. “The gathering was all about our partners, clients, and friends. We wouldn’t be here today without their trust and collaboration.”

Guests, including school and municipal officials, architects, engineers, and business leaders, mingled under a spacious tent set among Flatwater Farms’ 180 acres of organic crops. River St. Joe is Michigan’s only farm-to-tap brewery, offering pale ales to non-alcoholic, hops-infused sparkling water: a refreshing choice on a humid night when temperatures climbed into the low 90s.

Celebrating Local Roots and Shared Values

Though the brewery is a relatively new addition to the region’s food and beverage scene, it has quickly established itself as a community-oriented venue. Its schedule features everything from yoga sessions and storytelling nights to homegrown music performances. This spirit of local pride and camaraderie infused Weigand’s gathering, creating an atmosphere that was both festive and purposeful.

“The work we do in northern Indiana and southern Michigan is diverse and focused on creating meaningful results,” said Jeremy Ringger, Weigand’s President, who spent the evening engaging with guests. “What distinguishes Weigand is our dedication to building with purpose and creating enduring partnerships.”

Over the past 20 years, Weigand Construction has made a significant impact across the South Bend region through projects that include schools, fire stations, hospitals, and civic centers. “Each project,” Holy said, “reflects the combined efforts of clients, architects, engineers, and construction teams working toward common goals.”

The open-air setting at River St. Joe showcased the collaborative spirit central to Weigand’s work. Surrounded by harvests of strawberries and green beans, the evening emphasized Weigand Construction’s dedication to creating spaces and building relationships that leave a lasting impact on the people they serve.

Grand Opening: Goshen Celebrates New Ball Complex

Posted on April 30, 2025

WATCH: Goshen Schools Unveils Ball Complex (Video)

On a gray April morning that gradually faded into spring sunshine, the Goshen community gathered at 1730 Regent Street to celebrate the grand opening of a long-anticipated project: a new baseball and softball complex. This event marked a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to youth athletics.

Nestled behind Prairie View Elementary on Goshen’s south side, the new complex is now the unified home for RedHawk baseball and softball. The facility features two synthetic turf fields, LED stadium lighting, covered dugouts, digital scoreboards, batting cages, and dedicated bullpens. A central building houses amenities like locker rooms, coaches’ offices, and a concession stand for players and fans in one location.

“This project came to life through the collective support of many in our community who believed in this vision,” said Goshen High School Principal Cathy DeMeyer. “We couldn’t be prouder to unveil this top-tier facility.”

Replacing Phend Field and the flood-prone diamond at Shanklin Park, the new complex feels more like a homecoming than a farewell. “The community made a conscious decision to bring baseball and softball together in one shared space,” noted Superintendent Jim DuBois. “That’s what led us to choose this site. And now, playing on these high-quality fields will only help our programs grow and thrive.”

RedHawks Take to the Field

The grand opening featured a RedHawk baseball doubleheader, starting with a dominant 13-run win over La Porte — their highest-scoring game of the season. Junior Bryson Wilson made a standout effort on the mound, pitching five solid innings and notching his first RBIs of the year at the plate.

On the adjacent softball field, the RedHawk girls took on Fairfield High School in a hard-fought game that ended in a 9–5 loss, but not without undeniable energy.

“Seeing our RedHawks step onto these fields is incredibly rewarding,” said Athletic Director Jim Pickard. “I’m grateful to everyone who played a role in bringing this vision to life.”

Building a New Legacy

Construction kicked off in June 2024, with Weigand leading the build. Karen Fisher of Barton Coe Vilamaa headed up the design team, while Andy Bearman and his crew at A&Z Engineering managed critical components like drainage, lighting, and grandstand infrastructure.

“Our priority was delivering a high-quality project,” said Brian Blight, Senior Project Manager at Weigand, “Staying on schedule was critical to ensure the teams were ready for the 2025 season.”

A two-month delay in permitting could have derailed the schedule, but the construction team, led by Blight, Superintendent RJ Eck, and Project Engineer Brandon Hartstein, made up for lost time. “Everyone pulled together and worked in the same direction to make it happen,” Blight said.

One of the complex’s standout features is its advanced drainage system. “Water drains so efficiently that within 15 minutes, you can be back on the field and barely know it rained,” Blight explained. “Short of severe weather, these fields are ready for play almost anytime.”

First Pitches from Goshen Leaders

Two well-known figures, Ken Mirer and Paula Meyers, threw the ceremonial first pitches. Mirer, a longtime Goshen coach who guided the baseball team to five straight sectional titles, a regional championship, and led the football team to two Indiana Class AA state titles, expressed his excitement about the new fields.

“This is unbelievable — it’s as well done as I could have imagined or hoped for,” he said. “There’s a lot of pride behind it.”

Meyers, a Goshen alumna and longtime school employee, has been an advocate for softball facility upgrades and was instrumental in bringing this project to life.

The new complex reflects a broader community investment. “It’s more than a field — it’s a symbol of equity, progress, and the value we place on giving our students the best,” DuBois said, “and the impact goes beyond high school athletics.”

Inspiring Student-Athletes

Already, the fields are slated to host IHSAA sectionals in softball (2025) and baseball (2026). Youth leagues and summer camps are also expected to use the complex, deepening Goshen’s role as a regional sports destination.

Student-athletes are noticing the difference. Olivia Garcia, a a junior who plays both JV and varsity softball, says the upgraded field has strengthened her team. “Having a new field has brought us closer together,” she said. “Being able to experience something new is a great opportunity that we’ve been given. It’s motivated us to give it our all.”

That kind of energy wasn’t always easy. “The old field had dips and mud,” Blight said. “It was tough to maintain, especially in the spring. Now, they have something on par with college programs.”

The complex also serves as a powerful reminder of Goshen’s enduring community spirit. “This is a tight-knit community,” Mirer said. “Back in the day, we’d pack the gym for every basketball game — about 4,000 people. And it wasn’t just families with kids playing; it was people who had played here themselves. That pride carries from one generation to the next. Goshen has always had tremendous community support, and that continues.”

Explore Key Features and Visuals of the Goshen Community Schools Baseball and Softball Complex in our Education Portfolio

Weigand-Constructed Chapel Wins National Building Award

Posted on March 18, 2025

Christ Chapel at Hillsdale College, located in south-central Michigan, is gaining national recognition for its classical beauty and the craftsmanship behind its construction.

Built by Weigand Construction, the chapel was awarded Best Brick & Stone Project at the 2025 International Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (BAC)Craft Awards. This honor places Christ Chapel at the forefront of masonry craftsmanship, highlighting the enduring skills of BAC partners. (Weigand is a BAC signatory contractor, certified in specialized masonry work such as grouting and reinforced masonry.)

Construction of the chapel took place between 2017 and 2019, making it the first religious building of its size to be completed in the United States in over 70 years. The chapel boasts a striking 70-foot facade that leads into a sanctuary accommodating 1,350 worshippers beneath a 64-foot painted barrel ceiling. Eight Doric limestone columns support the entrance portico, while the altar is framed with elegant marble Corinthian detailing. The structure is crowned by a 32-foot self-supporting masonry dome, the largest built in over 50 years.

A Crowning Achievement

“The recognition feels like winning the Super Bowl for construction masons,” says architect Duncan Stroik, who designed the chapel in a Neoclassical style inspired by Christopher Wren and early American churches. Stroik is a founding professor at Notre Dame’s classical architecture program and has over 35 years of experience in practicing and teaching sacred architecture.

With its primary design motif being Doric and enhanced with Renaissance details, Christ Chapel remains rooted in tradition. This choice reflects a deliberate homage to the enduring legacy and spiritual significance of Western architecture.

Strong Legacy in Skilled Craftmanship

Since 1986, the BAC Craft Awards have highlighted outstanding craftsmanship and union service, showcasing not only technical excellence but also the cultural impact of construction artistry.

Christ Chapel is now among the distinguished recipients of this award — a place where liturgical beauty meets brick and mortar and where modern construction revives classical inspiration. Its significance extends beyond aesthetics; it serves as a beloved community landmark. “The chapel elevates the spirit,” Stroik says. “It gives form to faith.”