They plan to build the first for-profit facility in that park.
“It will attract new companies drawn to opportunity to connect with elite talent and support systems designed to maximize commercial success," the mayor said.
But 2010 was a roller-coaster year for South Bend's economy.
“South Bend downtown continues to receive focused attention," said Luecke.
As the mayor said goodbye to A.J. Wright and Bosch, he solidified a new commitment with 1st Source Bank and Host Hotels -- tied to the Marriott -- to keep them downtown.
He also welcomed other business.
“Sangria’s Wine Bar, CJ’s Pub, Main Street Coffee House and Pedros Family Restaurant," Luecke noted.
South Bend got national attention when the news magazine Newsweek put the city on its Top 10 list of dying cities.
Luecke is not seeking re-election, and some said that's what it's going to take to turn the city around.
“I think it’s gonna take someone who's young, energetic, enthusiastic and who thinks outside the box," said Notre Dame Student Eileen Flanagan.
Flanagen hopes to become more active in South Bend during her college years, and she's ready for a new mayor.
“Someone who can excite students to get students off campus," Flanagan said.
The candidates for mayor agree new business at Ignition Park would be a solid start for a new administration.
“We have to be leaner, meaner and faster so that we can attract those kind of businesses with a workforce that they want to grow with," said mayoral candidate Peter Buttigieg.
“We're in a new economy,” said mayoral candidate Barrett Berry. “We don’t really know what it looks like, but we have a plan in place, and we will succeed.”
Luecke has said he hopes the city's improved partnership with the University of Notre Dame can be one of his legacies.
And he topped it off with the announcement of business coming to Ignition Park.
For the full text of Mayor Luecke's State of the City address, click here.
