City of South Bend officials cut a red ribbon

Building a Better Future for South Bend: Larson-Danielson Completes City Hall Renovation

Oct 14, 2025 | Institutional, News | 0 comments

A Milestone Project for the City of South Bend

Larson-Danielson Construction is proud to celebrate the completion of South Bend’s new City Hall, a major renovation project that officially opened to the public on October 13. The 55,000-square-foot, six-story building at 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard now serves as a centralized hub for city services, improving accessibility and efficiency for residents across South Bend.

Construction began in December of last year, following the City’s acquisition of the former South Bend Community School Corporation administration building. Larson-Danielson worked closely with city officials, the architect, and partners to transform the space into a modern, efficient home for government operations.

A Central Hub for City Services

The new City Hall consolidates multiple departments under one roof, including offices that were previously located in the County-City Building, as well as the Building Department, 311 Customer Service, and the Water Works department. The facility also houses a new City Customer Service Center, a one-stop shop for residents to pay utility bills, apply for permits, or access other city programs. Public meetings are scheduled to begin at the new location in November.

Enhanced parking and a welcoming, open-concept layout ensure that every visitor can easily access the services they need. The building now serves as a symbol of progress and efficiency for the City of South Bend, representing years of planning and collaboration.

Delivering Results Through Expertise and Coordination

As general contractor, Larson-Danielson coordinated every phase of the renovation with precision and adaptability. The project required complex interior updates and structural modifications while maintaining tight deadlines to meet the City’s planned move-in schedule.

One of the most challenging aspects of the renovation was the complete replacement of the building’s elevator system. Schindler Elevator removed the old unit, then Larson-Danielson demolished internal steel beams and masonry, and rebuild the shaft with new steel supports and door frames. Once the new elevator was installed, Larson-Danielson’s masons and finish teams rebuilt the surrounding walls and restored the corridor with new flooring, ceilings, and paint, all under significant time constraints due to an expedited project schedule.

The council chambers also received upgrades, including a modified raised platform, custom cabinetry, and functional enhancements like a flip-up countertop and integrated gate for accessibility. The most difficult aspect of this room’s renovation was moving and installing the cabinet work, which came in multiple sections.

A Symbol of Progress and Partnership

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on October 13, 2025, marked more than the opening of a building, it celebrated collaboration between city officials, architects, and the Larson-Danielson project team. Representatives from multiple city departments joined in recognizing the successful transformation of a once-empty office building into a vibrant civic hub.

For Larson-Danielson, this project underscores the company’s commitment to building spaces that serve communities for generations. From complex logistics and fast-tracked schedules to detailed interior finishes, every phase was guided by a shared goal: to deliver a facility that represents South Bend’s spirit of innovation and progress.

Building for the Future

The completion of South Bend’s new City Hall reflects Larson-Danielson’s expertise in public and municipal construction and its continued dedication to quality, transparency, and teamwork. By revitalizing an existing structure and modernizing it for today’s needs, the project sets a new benchmark for efficient, community-focused public facilities in northern Indiana.

As the City begins a new chapter within its modernized headquarters, Larson-Danielson is proud to have played a key role in helping South Bend build not just a new space, but a stronger connection with its residents.