New Development in Elkhart with RealAmerica

515 East is set to become a landmark multi-family development in the heart of Elkhart’s historic district, combining modern living with community-focused amenities. With a strong emphasis on mental health and well-being, this project will cater to the needs of residents through thoughtfully designed spaces and a range of innovative features. Expected to be completed by Q1 2026, 515 East will offer affordable housing while also promoting sustainability and urban vibrancy.

One of the most unique aspects of 515 East is its focus on mental health, acknowledging the growing challenges many people face in today’s fast-paced world. With the rising rate of depression and anxiety—especially following the pandemic—this development aims to foster a sense of well-being through dedicated amenities and community spaces. Onsite staff at 515 East will be Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)-certified, ensuring support is always within reach.

“515 East is an exciting opportunity to redevelop an underutilized property in an ideal, downtown Elkhart location. RealAmerica and Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) have emphasized the importance of mental health in planning affordable and workforce housing developments. 515 East is uniquely positioned between – Main Street which features many retail, dining, and entertainment options – and the Elkhart Riverwalk district. Onsite community amenities and engagement opportunities, along with access to nearby amenities around downtown Elkhart will promote betterment and mental health wellness for future residents.”

As the architecture and interior design firm selected for this transformative project, Progress Studio is uniquely equipped to bring 515 East to life. With a strong project portfolio, our team worked hand-in-hand with RealAmerica to ensure every element of the project aligns with their vision and goals. From initial site planning to interior detailing, we’ve applied our expertise to craft a cohesive design that meets the needs of residents while enhancing the historic character of downtown Elkhart.

Our holistic approach ensures seamless integration of modern amenities, efficient layouts, and sustainable features into the design. Leveraging advanced design tools like Revit and virtual walkthroughs, we’ve been able to collaborate with stakeholders and refine the project in real-time, ensuring accuracy and client satisfaction.

Amenities Designed for Well-Being

515 East will offer a range of top-tier amenities designed to enhance daily life and bring residents together. Some of the standout features include:

• Rooftop deck – Perfect for unwinding and enjoying the views.
• A fully equipped fitness center for residents.
• Community space featuring a kitchen and lounge area that will foster social interaction and events.
• A dedicated dog run on the west side of the property for pets.
• Bike and kayak rental encourages an active lifestyle.
• A large mural that enhances the building’s aesthetic and sense of place.

As a project designed to the Silver National Green Building Standard, 515 East will incorporate several energy-efficient and sustainable elements. Residents can enjoy dual flush toilets, LED lighting, and energy-saving appliances in every unit, helping to reduce environmental impact and utility costs. The development reflects RealAmerica’s high standards for quality, ensuring that it not only meets but exceeds local safety and sustainability expectations.

Located in the highly walkable Historic District in Downtown Elkhart, 515 East offers residents the perfect blend of urban convenience and community charm. Just 600 feet from Elkhart’s new state-of-the-art amphitheater, residents will have direct access to vibrant cultural events, performances by world-famous artists, and lush public gardens—all within a five-minute walk.

Thoughtful Apartment Designs

Each of the 48 apartments at 515 East will be thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable, stylish living experience. The 48 affordable units will include:

• 16 one-bedroom units and 32 two-bedroom units.
• Luxury vinyl plank flooring, ceiling fans, and energy-efficient windows.
• Full-size washer and dryer, built-in dishwasher, stove, garbage disposal, and self-cleaning oven in every unit.
• Private balconies or patios for fresh air and relaxation.

These features reflect a modern approach to urban living, combining practicality with aesthetic appeal.

The 515 East project is slated for completion in early to mid 2025. As a pivotal part of Elkhart’s downtown development, this multi-family project will contribute to the revitalization of the area by offering affordable housing that meets modern standards, while also providing spaces that cater to mental health and well-being. It will serve as a hub of connection for residents and visitors alike, setting a new standard for multi-family developments in the region.

“Increasing the availability of housing options will be critical to the City’s future growth. As we continue to drive investments in quality of place projects that create amenities and activities for residents, we have seen private investment in market rate housing projects follow, demonstrating a demand for people choosing to live in Elkhart. At the same time, we recognize a need to increase housing opportunities across all spectrums of affordability. This makes our partnership with Real America on the 515 East project so exciting – the project will provide housing at rents accessible to working people who can find it challenging to afford market rate rents including teachers, health care and other service industry workers.”