Less than six months after its

, the historic LaSalle building on Michigan Street has hit 100-percent occupancy.

The iconic hotel-turned apartment building is just one of many in downtown South Bend that's breathing new life into the city.

Between the beautification of the area through the Smart Streets initiative to building restoration and new construction in the works, residential living downtown is booming.

“I think it says that people want to move back into downtown,” said Tim Corcoran, director of planning, City of South Bend.

According to South Bend Director of Planning Tim Corcoran, the trend is gaining momentum.

“It can only be a positive impact. I think as you see more and more people walking around downtown, going out, it really helps the vibe of the city,” said Corcoran.

The LaSalle building, dating back to the 1920's is just one example where restoration has been met with a full roster of tenants.

“I think what happens is one you start getting residential living in an area where maybe there wasn't that much, all the sudden you see the other amenities come along,” said Marchelle Berry, real estate associate, RealAmerica.

In the fall, a locally owned coffee shop is slated to open in the southeast corner of the former hotel.

“Hopefully [it will] bring more people downtown. I’m really excited about it. Give them another option, another place to eat, something simple, laid back; kind of your mom and pop shop,” said Amy Bratzler, owner, Coffee House and Eatery at the LaSalle.

Next to the future coffee house sits about 7,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, which is still up for grabs.

“For a another large restaurant to come in, maybe a bookstore—smaller spaces for the bookstore—and of course our beautiful bar room that we have, which is the original bar room. We would love to see maybe another bar in here in addition to maybe the restaurant,” said Berry.

“I think what’s happening is that the business community and the developers are responding to the investment the city has put into the downtown area,” said Corcoran.

This milestone of The LaSalle Apartments reaching full capacity is just one element in restoring the city—one building at a time—to what it once was.

With buzz generating downtown, you may wonder if overbuilding will become an issue; however, Tim Corcoran says right now that is not a concern. He says as long as the city gets the right types of buildings that can fill units, like The LaSalle Apartments, he doesn't see overbuilding becoming a problem.

Coffee House and Eatery at the LaSalle is projected to open in November.

Additionally, the LaSalle is starting to book its ballroom for events in the fall. For inquiries about booking events or leasing commercial space, you’re asked to call Marchelle Berry at 317-815-5929 and she will further assist you.