It’s been two and a half years since MOTM told you about plans by three locally-based investors to redevelop the former Chase Bank headquarters at 400 Riverview Drive, Benton Harbor. The four-story brick and glass structure stands as a Mid-Century Modern monument to the 1970s, its parking lot adjacent to the equally impressive North American headquarters of Whirlpool Corporation, just down the block.
The problem? It’s still empty! And now, there’s a For Sale sign out front.
After extensive demolition and interior clean up work, there has been no development of condos or apartments, and no 8,000 square foot restaurant on the main level, overlooking the St. Joseph River. In short, the ‘400 Riverview Group’ appears to be ‘dead in the water’, in terms of their extensive and impressive plans for a remake of the high-potential site.
(You can review those plans in a MOTM article from January of 2023 here.)
On a cold day in January of ’23, developers Tim Noonan, Shane Franks and Howard LItaker met with us amid the interior remains of the former bank building and enthusiastically described their plans for a mixed use residential and commercial development. A plan that immediately won support from the Benton Harbor City Commission and Cornerstone Alliance, as two later MOTM stories outlined.
Later, in the summer of 2024, Noonan, an established electrical contractor in the area, told us significant progress had been made, with much of the demo work completed, but he reminded that “Nothing good happens fast.” At the same time, he emphasized the trio was still committed to the project and that financing should not be an issue.
Today, 400 Riverview Drive is on the market for $3,250,000, listed with Century 21 Real Estate:
Iconic 5-story riverfront building on 3 acres with stunning views and direct water access. Approved for 12 boat slips + broadside docking. Ideal for luxury condos, rooftop bar, or mixed-use space with restaurant on the main level. Tons of parking and endless potential. A rare opportunity to create a premier waterfront destination! $ 3,250,000
What happened? We put that question to Noonan via text and received this reply:
“Thanks for reaching out. While our vision for the property/building hasn’t changed and we still see the value and potential for the property and how it can become a beacon for the Benton Harbor riverfront community, we are pursuing options to make the project completion a quicker process. So we have listed the property in anticipation of making connections with other enthusiastic parties. We’ll see what happens. In the meantime, we are continuing to work behind the scenes to bring the site and building to its highest potential!”
Reading between the lines, the three would sell the property for the right offer to another developer with their own ideas for the building. Or, they would potentially partner with another investor to jump start the project along the lines of their original concept.
MOTM would look forward to an opportunity to further explore the situation with Noonan, Franks and Litaker to shed more light on what hampered to the project, which seemed a perfect resurrection plan for the building when outlined in 2023. However, we have not heard back on our messages at this time.
Monday 7/28 update: The developers have responded and an updated story is expected tonight or Tuesday.
New ‘For Sale’ sign already vandalized at 400 Riverview Drive, Benton Harbor (MOTM photo)
400 Riverview Drive, interior main level, after demo work was completed, ready for proposed restaurant development (Century 21 photo)
The 400 Riverview Drive site along the St. Joseph River. Whirlpool Corp. North American Headquarters at upper left. (Centruy 21 photo)
By Gayle Olson, MOTM Contributor
