BREMEN – Indiana Governor Mike Braun is increasing housing and supporting talent retention and attraction with a new community-focused investment in the South Bend-Elkhart Region as leaders broke ground today on the Bremen GROWTH Project – a transformational initiative supported by the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI).
“Bremen is growing, and we need to make sure there are enough homes for the workers and families who want to be part of that growth,” said Governor Braun. “This project will bring the community its first major housing development in more than 20 years while creating connections to schools, parks, and other amenities that make people want to put down roots. READI projects like these are a great example of how we grow our workforce, strengthen our communities, and build an economy that lasts.”
The Bremen GROWTH (Greenway, Recreation, Opportunities for Wage Growth & Transformational Housing) Project is a $40 million initiative, including more than $3.7 million in READI 2.0 funding, designed to support community growth and quality of life in Marshall County. The first phase of the project, which is now underway, is a strategic housing development that will be created along a new, three-mile greenway trail connecting parks, Bremen public schools, and future development sites.
“Growing Indiana means creating communities where people want to build their careers, raise their families and put down roots,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. “The Bremen GROWTH Project is a great example of how strategic investments in housing and quality of place can support business growth, attract and retain talent, and create opportunities for Hoosiers. Through READI, we’re giving communities the tools to invest in their own growth and help Indiana compete for the people and businesses that will drive our future.”
The development will expand the town of Bremen to the south and increase housing for a growing population, marking the first new, large-scale housing development in the community in more than 20 years. The project is expected to generate approximately 184 new housing units by 2028, with room to add more homes and rentals in future phases of the development as market conditions allow.
“This groundbreaking represents more than the beginning of a multi-phased construction project,” said Mike Leman, Bremen Town Council President. “It represents a commitment to Bremen’s future — to creating places where people can live, connect, work and build their lives.”
Indiana’s READI program is a $1.25 billion investment in regional-led strategies designed to strengthen communities, retain and attract top talent, and increase opportunities for Hoosiers for years to come.
Bremen is part of the South Bend-Elkhart region that was awarded $95 million in READI 1.0 and 2.0 matching funds, with additional project support through Lilly Endowment Inc. grant funds, to grow the region’s quality of place, quality of life and quality of opportunity across Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.
Learn more at IndianaREADI.com.
