Bob's Resource Website (2007) Demolition of Studebaker building 69
http://www.wndu.com/video/news_1399.wmv
South Bend, IN - A part of South Bend history came crashing down Friday to make room for future growth and investment.
The water tower at the old Studebaker Stamping Plant off Sample and Franklin stands no longer.
Five years ago, the city of South Bend purchased the old Studebaker stamping plant and for the past two years, progress has been made in the demolition.
This afternoon, an extraordinary step in that process took place.
The demolition contractors pulled down the water tower that at one time held 500,000 gallons of water and was used by the Studebaker stamping.
For decades the tower was seen for blocks, if not a mile.
It sat five stories in the air and the tower itself was three stories tall.
The plant was, and the property still is, the largest single building complex in South Bend at 39 acres.
Clearing the stamping plant will make way for new development.
The event was bittersweet for many.
Steve Lueke, the mayor of South Bend, says, “We are a year a way yet from cleaning up and finishing up the demolition here. The city will be putting in new streets and structures to encourage private investments to follow."
Linda Russnak of South Bend takes a more nostalgic view. "It makes me feel sad to see it torn down, really losing a lot of memories," she says.
Russnak was one of the two-dozen or so people who gathered Friday afternoon to witness this dramatic step.
Transpo is the first company that has committed to building in this industrial park.
It will be moving its maintenance facility from Northside Boulevard to the park.
