The City of Valparaiso and HighGround, a subsidiary of Hageman, held a groundbreaking ceremony today for two transformational downtown projects. The combined $54.4 million development includes The Linc, a multi-use apartment and retail development complex, and the Lincoln Highway Garage. At the same time, the projects will replace aging underground infrastructure, separating stormwater and sanitary sewers for long-term sustainability and environmental upgrades. Once complete, the development accomplishes longtime planning goals for the City’s downtown district.
“The Linc turns the lights on for this part of downtown, extending the success story that is Valparaiso’s downtown,” said City of Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy. “We are eager to welcome new residents, new businesses, and new opportunities to downtown. Together, we continue to create a downtown that defines our community.”
Designed to add modern, amenity-rich living options to Valparaiso’s vibrant downtown, The Linc is a mixed-use development located on the north side of Lincolnway between Michigan Avenue and Morgan Boulevard. Developed by Carmel, Indiana-based HighGround, the project includes three four-story buildings with modern apartment homes on the top floors and commercial suites on the ground floor facing Lincolnway.
“We are so impressed with Valpo’s downtown district. The community’s leadership and investment have made it one of the best downtowns in the state. We are excited to have the opportunity to add The Linc to the vibrancy of downtown,” said Tom Dickey, President of HighGround.
Future residents at The Linc will enjoy studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans, gourmet kitchens, stylish interior design, in-unit washer and dryers, and balconies with downtown views. Planned amenities for the new community includes a contemporary resident lounge with game room and kitchen, exterior patios with seating areas and grilling stations, courtyard areas with activities for residents, a pet park, a fitness center, indoor bike storage and a pet washing station.
Complementing The Linc is the Lincoln Highway Garage, a 362-space parking garage located at the northeast corner of Lincolnway and Morgan Boulevard. Constructed by Tonn and Blank Construction, LLC, the garage will support parking for The Linc and surrounding businesses and neighborhoods. Both The Linc and the Lincoln Highway Garage have been designed to fit with Valparaiso’s historic character and architecture.
The Linc is a public-private partnership with support from the Indiana Economic Development Commission (IEDC) and the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission. The IEDC awarded the project $9.6 million in redevelopment tax credits as it increases opportunities for local businesses and housing for residents while enhancing the long-term sustainability of a thriving downtown.
“As a state, Indiana is focused on cultivating vibrant communities that foster entrepreneurship, support families, and retain and attract top talent,” said Vincent Ash, vice president of real estate development at the IEDC. “Strategic tools like redevelopment tax credits are helping neighborhoods revitalize abandoned buildings and vacant properties with mixed-use projects like The Linc, breathing new life and economic development into our urban hubs.”
The Lincoln Highway Garage is expected to be complete by the end of 2024 and The Linc is slated for opening in the winter of 2024. Future resident and business tenants of The Linc are encouraged to join the interest list at www.TheLincValpo.com or follow the community’s progress on Facebook and Instagram at @TheLincValpo.
“A thriving downtown is a key component to the City of Valparaiso’s long-term sustainability and prosperity. We’re excited about these new opportunities, increasing housing and opportunity to succeed for local residents and businesses,” said Murphy. “The nature of this development will complement the direction of our downtown and offer the amenities so many are seeking in Valparaiso,” he said.
For information about these projects and the City of Valparaiso, visit Valpo.us