Monthly Archives: August 2019

The University of Notre Dame will host a groundbreaking shovel at 5 p.m. Monday (August 26) for the new Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC).

Located just south of Notre Dame, RCLC is a learning center and gathering place for residents of the Northeastern Quarter, offering educational programs for youth and adults as well as classes, clubs and conferences. for old people.

The center hosts Take Ten, a youth violence prevention program, and the Robinson Shakespeare Company, an award-winning theater and awareness program for local youth.

Scheduled for completion in 2020, the new 12,600 square foot center, featuring new and expanded learning and gathering spaces, was designed by Alliance Architects of South Bend with input from youth, staff and neighbors of the RCLC.

Funded with support from several sources, including Kite Realty and the Judd Leighton Foundation, the new facility will replace the existing 7,500 square foot RCLC, which opened across the street in a former mall at 921 N. Eddy St., South Bend, in 2001.

This location, north of Corby Boulevard, is slated for redevelopment as part of Eddy Street Commons, a mixed-use development along Eddy Street south of the campus that includes apartments, condos, townhouses and hotels, as well as 178,500 square feet of office, restaurant and retail space and the new RCLC.

Representing nearly $ 300 million in investment, Eddy Street Commons is a collaboration between Notre Dame and Kite, an Indianapolis real estate company, with support from the City of South Bend.

“The planning for our new home reflects years of contribution from the RCLC community,” said Jennifer Knapp Beudert, Manager of RCLC. “We are delighted that the new building provides opportunity, honor our past and uphold the culture and values ​​of RCLC. “

In addition to on-site parking, green spaces and natural light – the current RCLC lacks windows – the new center, at Eddy and Howard streets, will include:

Robinson Community Learning Center black box rendering

• A versatile “black box” performance space for the Robinson Shakespeare Company. The space can also be used for music, dancing and other activities, and as a community resource.

• A maker space / technological laboratory. With support from the Chicago Blackhawks and the National Hockey League, the manufacturing space and lab will provide access to computers, printers and other technology as well as “manufacturing” equipment and supplies, and it will support professional training and development.

• A state-of-the-art early childhood classroom. The classroom will support existing courses and programs, including English as a New or Second Language and Talk with Your Baby programs. The classroom will meet state standards for licensing and Paths to Quality, Indiana’s assessment system for early childhood care and education.

• An industrial kitchen. The kitchen will support the snack and meal programs for RCLC students. It will meet all health, safety and licensing standards.

The new center will also feature a number of familiar spaces, including a large meeting room beyond the entrance, a large multi-purpose classroom, a library and a conference room.

Robinson Community Learning Center childcare rendering

The colorful murals that decorate the south side of the current building will be moved to the front of the new building, near the entrance.

Mia Copeland is a parent and member of the RCLC Board of Directors.

“As a parent of RCLC, the youth programs provided my children with opportunities and experiences that are not found in other youth programs in this community,” Copeland said, describing it as “a community. incredible number of people dedicated to fostering the potential of our amazing children. “

She continued, “As a board member of the RCLC, some decisions are easier than others, but our actions will always be based on what is best for the children, what is best for the child. RCLC and what’s best for the community we serve. I am extremely excited to see what the future holds for the new RCLC.

South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg said: “The Robinson Community Learning Center is a South Bend treasure made possible through a strong partnership with the University of Notre Dame. We look forward to seeing our young residents thrive in the new space.

Monday’s opening will feature remarks from Shannon Cullinan, Executive Vice President of Notre Dame, and Reverend Edward “Monk” Malloy, CSC, President Emeritus of the University, in addition to light refreshments. It will take place at the northeast corner of Howard and Eddy streets, across from the current center.

For more information, visit rclc.nd.edu/new-rclc.

Contact: Erin Blasko, Deputy Director of Media Relations, 574-631-4127, [email protected]