Bremen breaks ground on $40-M GROWTH Project, bringing new housing and greenway trail to Marshall County

Local, regional, and state leaders broke ground Tuesday on the Bremen GROWTH Project, a $40 million transformational initiative supported by Indiana's READI program that will bring the town its first major housing development in more than 20 years along with a new three-mile greenway trail.

The Bremen GROWTH Project — which stands for Greenway, Recreation, Opportunities for Wage Growth & Transformational Housing — is supported by more than $3.7 million in READI 2.0 funding awarded through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the South Bend–Elkhart Regional Development Authority (RDA). The project also received a $6 million low-interest loan through the Indiana Finance Authority's Residential Infrastructure Fund (RIF).

At the center of the project is a planned three-mile greenway trail connecting parks, Bremen Public Schools, and future development sites. The housing component will expand the town of Bremen to the south, generating approximately 184 new housing units by 2028, with room to add more homes and rentals in future phases as market conditions allow.

The project is expected to catalyze significant private investment, with total investment associated with the project exceeding $40 million.

"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 Indiana Governor Mike 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."

"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."

"This groundbreaking represents more than the beginning of a multi-phased construction project. It represents a commitment to Bremen's future — to creating places where people can live, connect, work and build their lives," said Mike Leman, Bremen Town Council President.

John DeSalle, a member of the Regional Development Authority Board and former CEO/President of Hoosier Racing Tire, credited state leaders for their support. "A special thanks needs to be given to Governor Braun, State Senator Ryan Mishler and State Representative Jack Jordan for their support of these programs in the state budget that allowed Bremen to drive this important project," he said. "These are the types of investments needed to attract the workforce we need in this region to sustain our businesses and communities."

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.

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.

For more information, visit IndianaREADI.com.