April 4, 2025
Today, Mayor James Mueller along with other city, council and state representatives celebrated the completion of the Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Center project with a ribbon cutting ceremony. A nearly 1-mile march took place leading up to the ribbon cutting ceremony from the Civil Rights Heritage Center to the MLK Jr. Dream Center to recognize and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated on this day 57 years ago.
“Today makes clear that Dr. King’s dream is still alive and well in South Bend,” said Mayor James Mueller. “I am proud of our community for working together to build the dream and look forward to revitalizing this neighborhood and uplifting our community for generations to come.”
The “Build the Dream” project was announced by Mayor Mueller in 2021 during his State of the City Address. Community feedback helped drive the design and programming of the MLK Center, and from December 2021 to March 2022, the City received community input through various public meetings, mailers, website feedback, and direct Center user feedback. The City also brought together a “Community Action Group” to allow additional, focused feedback by engaged members of the local community.
“Together, we celebrate the 50-year legacy of community empowerment, inspiring change, and hope,” said Executive Director of Venues Parks & Arts, Jordan Gathers. “From the King Center to the MLK Jr. Dream Center, we continue to shape a better tomorrow. Building on a foundation of strength, unity, and progress, we honor the past and dream bigger for the future. Let us continue to serve, inspire, and create for the next 50 years and beyond.”
Features at the new 40,000 sq/ft MLK Dream Center include:
- Administrative spaces
- SBO Training/first-aid room
- Dream Studio space for broadcasting and podcasting
- Computer lab
- New Financial Empowerment Center
- Indoor recreation space
- 2 multipurpose/event rooms
- Commercial kitchen
- Hal Lindsey Gymnasium with 2 full-size basketball courts, which also can be used for volleyball and pickleball
- Locker rooms
- Fitness rooms
- Large outdoor balcony, also known as the “Balcony of Brotherhood,” with attached indoor pre-function space.
Site amenities at the MLK Center include:
- New large parking lot
- Splashpad
- Playground
- Exterior restrooms
- Park pavilion
- Event lawns
- Paved area for events
- 2 outdoor basketball courts
- Maintenance garage with space for VPA’s 2 new 15 passenger vans for programming
While the MLK Dream Center’s building is complete, there are still final site improvements underway, and programming is not open currently.
To learn more about the MLK Dream Center and to stay updated, please visit mlkdreamcenter.com.