SOUTH BEND — Students won't be living there until fall, but they've already sparked change. When IU South Bend's dorms on Lincolnway East open in August, they'll be greeted by some new businesses.

The mayor's office says it's only aware of a Walgreens coming to Lincolnway and Ironwood. That's where Don Medow Motors sits now, but local business managers say they've heard other stores will open, too. They say new business from students and competition could help revitalize the area.

Lincolnway East made news headlines last year when a deadly shooting killed a police officer.

This year, students have spurred a revitalization.

"The whole Lincolnway/Ironwood area is going to have a new look and feel when the housing opens," said Ken Baierl, director of communications and marketing at IU South Bend.

Crews are working to make sure 400 students can move in by August, and businesses are closely watching.

"We think all in all it will be a wonderful thing for our store, the area," said Shawn Buzalski, a closing manager for Martin's Supermarket on Ironwood.

"We are really excited about it. It is going to bring revenue into the area," said Steve Borders, manager of Dairy Queen on Lincolnway.

Store managers say there's also talk about a bank and strip mall coming to the Don Medow property.

Rumors are that Medow has sold the dealership to Gurley-Leep. Mike Leep, Jr. wouldn't comment because of a confidentiality agreement.

Randy Medow says he cannot comment on the future of his dealership. However, he says if a Walgreens is going onto his property, two buildings can't sit in one place. He says he hopes to make an announcement later this week.

"If they what they say is true, we're excited about that because there will be three or four businesses next door," said Borders.

"Competition is competition. It's a good thing," said Buzalski.

It's the very thing IU South Bend wants to hear.

"It is something we hoped would happen, and it's happening I think at a little faster pace than we thought," said Baierl.

Business managers say they hope that as new stores move in, they'll replace businesses that are problems or need remodeling. They hope the new development will help turn around the image of this part of the city.