Complete Guide to Restoration and Cleaning Services and Things to Do in South Bend, IN
South Bend, Indiana is located on the St. Joseph River in Northwest Indiana and got its name because it is situated along the river where it bends the furthest south. It is only the fourth biggest city in the state of Indiana but it is also the main economic and cultural center of Northwest Indiana and it is home to the University of Notre Dame. South Bend started as a trading post in the 19th century and became an industrial center in the 20th century due in large part to its location along the St. Joseph River. The economy of South Bend today is centered on healthcare and higher education.
While South Bend’s economy has not entirely gained the prosperity it once enjoyed in the mid-20th century, the city is redeveloping its industrial areas to stimulate economic growth and it is still a major cultural center with museums and performing arts venues that draw tourists to the city. As South Bend’s plan for economic growth develops, it will draw new businesses and residents back into the city and surrounding areas. There are trustworthy professionals in South Bend that can provide disaster restoration and cleaning services that will help keep your home or business maintained and protected from disasters including flooding, fires, and severe weather. South Bend is no stranger to adverse weather conditions and reacting quickly to property damage is the best way to ensure that your home or business will be restored.
Water and Flood Damage Restoration in South Bend, IN
South Bend experiences plenty of rainfall and humidity throughout the year with above average snowfall in the winter due to the lake effect of Lake Michigan. This type of weather creates the perfect conditions for water damage in a home or building, either from heavy rains, flooding, snow, or just excess moisture or humidity. If your home or business in the South Bend area is affected by water damage, it is wise to contact a water damage restoration professional immediately. Water damage will continue to spread through a home or building the longer it is ignored and a trusted water damage professional will stop the spread of the damage and restore your property to its previous condition.
Fire Damage Restoration and Repair in South Bend, IN
Fires can happen pretty much anywhere at any time and once the fire is put out, there is limited time to react before the damage spreads and becomes permanent. Chemical emissions and corrosive byproducts festering in the aftermath of a fire can cause permanent etching which is why you should call for fire damage restoration services as soon as possible. The fire damage professionals in the South Bend area can help limit the spread of the damage after a fire and repair the structural elements of your home or building. They also have the proper equipment to clean soot damage from delicate household surfaces and remove lingering smoke odors.
Mold Removal Services in South Bend, IN
The climate in South Bend tends to be humid throughout the year and the high level of precipitation and snow in the area can contribute to mold growth in homes and buildings. Mold only needs a food source and moisture to thrive and once it does, it can spread throughout a building and cause negative health reactions in those exposed to the spores. Fortunately, there are reliable mold removal specialists in the South Bend area that can safely remove mold growth and prevent it from spreading or returning. It is important to take action as soon as you discover mold to protect your property as well as the health of those within your home or building.
Humidity and the Lake Effect: South Bend Weather
The weather in South Bend is influenced by its humid continental climate as well as the lake effect from Lake Michigan which affects the temperature throughout the year and the amount of snowfall in the winter. In fact, South Bend on average experiences snowfall that is much higher than the national average at about 82 inches per year with average winter temperatures that are just below the national average. The summer months of June through August are the warmest in South Bend with average highs around 80˚ F.
The spring and fall seasons in South Bend experience moderate temperatures but are routinely overcast with a tendency for severe storms. The annual precipitation in South Bend is slightly higher than the national average at about 38 inches per year with a high rate of thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are not the only type of severe weather that can affect South Bend, the area has also had their share of tornadoes and flooding. These natural disasters can cause water damage as well as destruction of property if severe enough and if this happens, it is important to contact a professional for disaster restoration services. Reacting quickly to damage caused by a natural disaster will help save you money on insurance claims by limiting the spread of the damage.
Higher Education and Health Care: The Economy in the Metropolis of Northern Indiana
South Bend was originally established as a major industrial and manufacturing center in the late 19th century which continued until about the mid-20th century when the industry started to fade. It’s location on the St. Joseph River and along the rail line half way between Chicago and Detroit helped the industry thrive as the Studebaker plant and Bendix Corporation manufactured car parts for the automotive industry. The plants began to close after World War II and Honeywell Aerospace, a company that builds aviation products, is the only remaining manufacturer.
While South Bend has yet to return to the same level of economic prosperity it enjoyed in the mid-20th century, the city is taking great efforts to improve its economy and attract more businesses to the city. Many of the old industrial buildings are being redeveloped and the city of South Bend works directly with new businesses to help them establish themselves in the area. Several companies still maintain corporate headquarters in South Bend including Honeywell, Bosch, Martin’s Supermarkets, and Crowe Horwath among others.
Since the decline of industrial manufacturing in South Bend, higher education and healthcare have become central to their economy. The University of Notre Dame which is actually located just outside South Bend is the area’s largest employer and a major contributor to South Bend’s economy. Notre Dame is one of the most famous and highly regarded schools in the country and their sporting events draw spectators from beyond just the South Bend area. Other universities in the South Bend area include Saint Mary’s College and Indiana University South Bend. The health care system is the next largest contributor to South Bend’s economy with the Memorial Health System as the largest employer in South Bend proper.
Commercial and Residential Cleaning Services in South Bend, IN
The redevelopment of South Bend has resulted in new commercial spaces being built that are available for new businesses. As South Bend encourages more businesses and residents to move into the area, it is helpful to know that there are professionals in the area that can provide cleaning services to help maintain your home or business. One of the best ways to maintain the cleanliness and appearance of your home is with professional carpet cleaning. The consistent foot traffic that a carpet experiences causes dirt and debris to settle into the fibers which gives it a worn out appearance. Professional carpet cleaning services will improve the look of your home or building by restoring the appearance of your carpet.
Another way to keep your home or building clean and healthy is with professional air duct cleaning services. The air ducts within a building constantly gather dirt, dust, and other airborne debris as the air passes through the system and this debris gets pushed back into the breathing air as the system kicks on. Having your air ducts cleaned will result in healthier breathing air as well as a more efficient HVAC system with the debris removed from the components. If you own a home or business in South Bend, keep it maintained with professional commercial and residential cleaning services.
From Music and the Arts to Sports and Recreation: Fun Things to do in South Bend
South Bend is the main cultural center of Northwest Indiana and its cultural attractions along with events at Notre Dame draw plenty of tourists from outside the area. These are some of the more popular South Bend events and attractions.
- Music Fesitvals: There are several music festivals hosted in South Bend that attract many visitors including the South Bend Reggae Music Festival, the World Pulse Festival, and South by South Bend. The South Bend Reggae Music Festival features the best reggae artists from around the world and the South by South Bend Festival features the top musicians in rock music. The World Pulse Festival is a Christian music festival that is held annually.
- Museums: South Bend contains a variety of museums including the Otis Bowen Museum, Hannah Lindahl Children’s Museum, the Studebaker National Museum, the South Bend Museum of Art and the History Museum among others. The Studebaker National Museum includes vehicles and artifacts commemorating the production of Studebaker cars in South Bend as well as the biggest collection of Presidential carriages. The History Museum in South Bend is part of Indiana’s second oldest historical society and the museum campus includes Copshaholm which is a mansion built in 1895 by the son of the founder of the Oliver Farm Equipment Company and it still contains the original furnishings.
- Music and Theater: South Bend hosts a variety of musical and theatrical performances in several different venues including the Morris Performing Arts Center and South Bend Civic Theatre. The Morris Performing Arts Center once held vaudeville performances and it was the venue for the premier of the movie Knute Rockne, All American which starred Ronald Reagan. The center now includes the Palais Royale Ballroom in which the Broadway Theater League and South Bend Symphony Orchestra perform. The biggest chamber music competition in the world, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, takes place each year on Notre Dame’s campus.
- Sports: South Bend does not have any professional sports teams but the Notre Dame Fighting Irish attract large crowds to their football and basketball games. Every Notre Dame home football game is treated as a special event in South Bend. The South Bend Cubs are a minor league baseball team and one of the few other sports draws in the city aside from high school sports which draw plenty of local interest.
- Parks and Recreation: There are over 50 parks and recreational areas run by the South Bend Parks and Recreation Department including the Potawatomi Zoo, Potawatomi Greenhouses, the Ella Morris and Muessel-Ellison Botanical Conservatories, Howard Park, and the East Race Waterway. The Potawatomi Zoo is Indiana’s oldest zoo and the East Race Waterway is used for a variety of water sports.
- Restaurants: South Bend offers a variety of cuisine from many different restaurants which are located along what is referred to as the South Bend Foodie Trail. One local favorite is Fiddler’s Hearth, an authentic Irish pub the offers a variety of Celtic specialties in a comfortable atmosphere. The Corndance Tavern is another local mainstay which serves dishes made from fresh meats, eggs, and vegetables provided by local farmers. Other popular South Bend restaurants include Café Navarro, LaSalle Grill, and Moser’s Austrian Café serving authentic Austrian cuisine.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Bend,_Indiana
http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/
http://southbendin.gov/government
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g37535-South_Bend_Indiana-Vacations.html