Work on ‘The Linc’ begins in downtown Valpo
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Construction has begun on a nearly $55 million mixed-use development in Valparaiso that officials have said will take the city’s downtown plans to the next level.
The Linc is a multi-use apartment and retail complex that is being built alongside the 362-space Lincoln Highway Garage.
The project, located on the north side of Lincolnway between Michigan Avenue and Morgan Boulevard, will feature three, four-story buildings that will include 121 apartments with studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans.
Ground floor retail and restaurant space is also planned for the development.
When plans for The Linc were first announced in January 2022, City Attorney Patrick Lyp told Inside INdiana Business the project was a “logical, natural progression” for downtown Valparaiso.
“The development you have seen in downtown Valparaiso over the last 20-plus years…we’re kind of looking back at all of the milestones we’ve hit going back to the early 2000s,” Lyp said. “The city secured downtown liquor licenses. The city invested in facade improvement grants. The city had two transformative projects in our downtown amphitheater and Urschel Pavillion, and on the residential side, we’ve had various smaller developments over time.”
The original estimated cost for the project was $37 million. Officials did not provide a reason for the cost increase. A request for more information from Inside INdiana Business was not returned.
The project is being developed by Carmel-based HighGround, a division of real estate investment and development company Hageman.
The developer said that work on both The Linc and the parking garage will include replacing aging underground infrastructure, separating stormwater and sanitary sewers, and other environmental upgrades.
“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,” Mayor Matt Murphy said in a news release. “The nature of this development will complement the direction of our downtown and offer the amenities so many are seeking in Valparaiso.”
The Lincoln Highway Garage is being built on the northeast corner of Lincolnway and Morgan Boulevard by Tonn and Blank Construction LLC, based in Michigan City.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has awarded $9.6 million in redevelopment tax credits for the project, and the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission also approved $3.3 million in tax increment financing bonds.
HighGround said the parking garage is slated for completion by the end of 2024 and The Linc is expected to open in the winter of 2024.