North Judson ends three decade drought on new housing

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For the first time in nearly 30 years, the Starke County town of North Judson has new multi-family housing. On Saturday, officials from the community and developer Verhagen Investments LLC cut the ceremonial ribbon on Park Place Villa Apartments.

The four duplex-style, market rate apartments each have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an attached garage.

North Judson native Kirt Verhagen of Verhagen Investments acquired the property in 2021. He says plans are in the works to build additional rental units at the site.

“North Judson and many other small towns are an underserved market where modern, low maintenance, market-rate apartments are concerned,” said Verhagen. “Our aim is to provide these types of apartments in attractive settings close to amenities.

Verhagen says he’d like to see his hometown attract new residents and thrive, but it needs new housing to do so.

Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Lisa Dan agrees. She says there are only 44 homes for sale countywide right now.

“SCEDF works closely with county, city, and town elected officials, contractors, and other shareholders to bring housing opportunities ranging from executive to market-rate to affordable to our communities. We are thrilled to see this growth in North Judson,” said Dan.

Verhagen also owns another parcel in downtown North Judson. He may decide to build, depending in the response to the Park Place project.

“We are already fully rented at Park Place, even before construction concluded, so things look positive for future building,” Verhagen said.