2020_Summer_VMag_forweb

VOL. 20 ISSUE 3 | SUMMER 2020 

MATT WELTER 

Wayne Enterprises CEO 

Happy at 

Home

“People helping people” is 

at the core of our mission. 

Our experience in past economic challenges dates back to our founding 

during the Great Depression and stands as a testament to the 

commitment we make to our members. Your safety and well-being 

are our top priority. That includes your financial well-being. 

Now and always, TCU is here for you. 

Contact Pat McGinley 

302 Silhavy Rd. • Valparaiso 

phone: (219) 707-8286 ext. 5787 

email: pmcginley@tcunet.com 

website: tcunet.com/business 

©Teachers Credit Union

COVER PAGE 4 

FEATURE 

Happy at 

Home 

DEVELOPING A FOOTHOLD INTO TOMORROW 

PAGE 12 

CONTENTS | SUMMER 2020 

SECTIONS... 

CHAMBER FOCUS 

>> 2020 Community Improvement Awards 

PAGE 20 

BUSINESS SNAPSHOTS 

PAGE 24 

NEW MEMBER INVESTORS 

>> New Board-approved members 

PAGE 26 

MEMBER INVESTOR 

ANNIVERSARIES 

PAGE 29 

AROUND TOWN 

>> Local Business News 

PAGE 30 

A LOOK BACK 

>> “History of Calkin’s Hill” 

PAGE 34 

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 

PAGE 37 

TALKING TOURISM 

>> “Summertime Outdoor Adventures” 

PAGE 38 

Valparaiso Magazine circulates 18,000 copies per issue by direct mail to all businesses, and, on a rotating basis, to most households in the 46383, 46384, and 46385 zip codes. 

A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER VALPARAISO 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

162 W Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383 

Phone (219) 462-1105, Fax (219) 462-5710 

info@valpochamber.org 

www.valpochamber.org 

GREATER VALPARAISO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

Rex G. Richards, CCE, President 

Julie Gaskell, Executive Vice President 

Danielle Oeding, Vice President, Sales & Marketing 

Kurt Gillins, Vice President, Programs & Communications 

Christine Pazdur, Chief Financial Officer 

Sue Stymiest, Resource Director 

Donna Austin, Assistant Resource Director 

VALPARAISO MAGAZINE 

PUBLISHER Rex G. Richards, CCE 

EDITOR Kurt Gillins 

SALES Danielle Oeding 

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION 

Kre-Eight Design Marketing 

FEATURE WRITING Amanda Wilson 

COVER/FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY 

Aran Kessler Photo.Imaging 

PRINTING Boy-Conn Print & Copy 

MAILING Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service 

The Valpo Chamber has been 

chosen as the best Chamber of 

Commerce by The Times in their 

Best of the Region Awards. 

FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 

call (219) 462-1105, Attn: Danielle 

or danielle@valpochamber.org 

ValpoChamber.org

Home 

Happy at 

Home 

By Amanda Wilson 

There’s nothing like a quarantine to make one reassess 

what home really means. Contrary to the old adage 

which dismisses sentimentality, home is so much more 

than where you hang your hat. The recent stay-at-home 

mandate reinforced the quite literal security of home. 

When done right, home is a comfort, a place where love 

abides and families flourish. And, if you’re really lucky, 

home is also a place of beauty and fun where you don’t 

mind being confined. Vale View, Stonebridge, and The 

Brooks at Vale Park are creating housing fit to call home. 

Home 

has served Valparaiso and Porter County, from Chamber 

Valparaiso has been home to Wayne Enterprises CEO 

Matt Welter’s family since his great-grandparents 

graduated from Valparaiso University. Each generation 

leadership to rotary club volunteering. Welter is 

continuing his family’s proud legacy of enriching his 

hometown by providing luxury apartments in downtown 

Valparaiso. “People truly care about Valparaiso, and 

about making it bigger and better for everyone,” he says. 

“We know we have it good here. We want to give back.” 

Vale View ensures that its tenants and residents can 

have it good too, with the type of apartments one 

would typically expect in the Chicago Gold Coast 

neighborhood. The comforts of home at Vale View 

include underground parking space for every resident, 

with an elevator that takes you directly to your apartment 

courtesy of a personal elevator fob. The elevator takes 

you into your foyer with huge double doors that open 

into your living space. Nothing is cookie-cutter at Vale 

View: from the concrete-poured floors to the 10.5-foot 

ceilings, the built-in grill on the 160 square-foot patio to 

the 12 to 14 foot kitchen island. Even the Delta fixtures 

are ordered direct from the manufacturer. 

Vale View (260 Franklin St) is the result of a mutual dream 

and teamwork from Matt Welter and his father, Wayne. 

“We wanted to continue to help Valparaiso grow. Yes, it’s 

a capital venture, but it’s also about giving back to the 

community that gave so much to us. It’s about adding 

value to the community and improving Valparaiso as a 

whole. It’s something to be proud of. If I can make the 

property nicer, it puts the onus on the people around 

me to improve their property. Property health is directly 

connected to the happiness of the tenants.” Happiness is 

a high-end living space enhanced by onsite services and 

goods in leased commercial space, including new Valpo 

Chamber member, Ella Jayms, on the first floor of Vale 

View. “Once we got the lease in place, we built out how 

our tenants desired. We put some of our own money into 

it. What’s good for them is good for us, because we’re in 

it for the long haul.” 

Vale View is the first commercial user of bifacial solar 

panels in all of Indiana. Most solar panels produce >> 

4 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020

We wanted to continue to 

help Valparaiso grow...It , s 

about adding value to the 

community and improving 

Valparaiso as a whole. It , s 

something to be proud of. 

— Matt Welter 

Solar panels atop 

Vale View 

ValpoChamber.org 5

XXX HAPPY AT HOME 

Mike Tezak, Jason Utesch and Jon Wolf, 

developers of Stonebridge 

Working from home 

has made people 

realize things that 

are missing that 

they may not have 

considered before, like 

an extra office space. 

— Mike Tezak 

>> energy from the sun through one sided panels, but with 

the bifacial panels, they capture energy from the reflection 

off the white roofing. This helps to produce upwards of 15% 

more energy. The energy from the panels on Vale View go to 

powering the building, including the electric vehicle chargers 

that every parking space has access to in the underground 

parking garage. 

Longevity is a recurring theme in Valparaiso and the 

surrounding community, and the custom-built homes in the 

Stonebridge subdivision (844 N 500 E) are geared towards 

those who value quality built to last. Located just north of Route 

6 and Anderson Winery in Jackson Township, Stonebridge 

offers one to three acre lots with the option of custom-built 

homes. Stonebridge is a rare find with abundant space, 

complete with mature trees bordering the majority of its 

lots. “Stonebridge is geared towards the custom builder,” 

say Stonebridge developer Mike Tezak and business partner 

Jason Utesch. “You can design your own home with one of 

our preferred builders, though we’re open to talking to other 

custom builders too. We feel good about the quality and the 

aesthetics.” Tezak is broker and owner of Realty Executives 

Premier and also owns commercial properties in Northwest 

Indiana and Florida. He partnered with Valparaiso Realty 

Executives broker associates Utesch and Jon Wolf over two 

years ago to create Stonebridge. 

Luxury looks and functions a little differently for everyone, and 

it shows in the varied custom designs of Stonebridge homes. 

From options such as a family-friendly mudroom complete with 

shoe cubbies and a charging station, to a three-season room 

made enjoyable nearly year-round thanks to an auxiliary gas 

heater, Stonebridge’s preferred builders will turn homeowners’ 

dreams into living spaces. Tezak and Utesch say, “What we offer 

is a true customization process. The sky’s the limit on options! 

Whatever we can fit on the lot, we will do whatever is within >> 


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HAPPY AT HOME 

>> our control to make that happen.” Stonebridge 

enhances life not only for its residents but for the 

surrounding community as well. A major part of Porter 

County’s approval of Stonebridge was drainage and, 

since ground was broken, there’s been no flooding on 

the property. “Stonebridge houses three ponds on over 

eleven acres of green space, which means drainage is 

releasing at a slower rate.” 

The Brooks at Vale Park (1775 Ransom Rd) is also 

providing stormwater relief for the community thanks 

to stormwater mitigation features incorporated into 

its design. The Brooks is ideally located to provide 

relief from the historically flooding-prone Beauty 

Creek and Candlewood Creek. The design was done 

in collaboration with the City of Valparaiso, and after 

consulting with leading hydrologists, soil scientists, 

environmental land planners, utility providers, and the 

Army Corp of Engineers. “I believe that no one is as 

smart as everyone, so we assembled the best team to 

create an extraordinary living space that benefits the 

larger community,” says Jake Wagner, owner of VJW 

Limited, the developer for The Brooks. “By partnering 

with the city, The Brooks becomes more than a residential 

community. It’s also a regional stormwater mitigation 

facility that offers benefits to residents all along the 

Beauty Creek watershed and those further downstream.” 

Benefits at The Brooks start with the environmentally 

sustainable design of its 152 acres, which incorporates 

brooks, stairstep waterfalls, streams, and rain gardens. 

Pedestrian-friendly trails connect to the existing trail 

system without compromising over 50 acres of green 

space. The planned community of 284 units will combine 

large estate lots, maintenance-free multiplex units, 

cottages, and townhomes, as well as varied lot and home 

sizes. Wagner says, “We’re committed to delivering 

lasting quality and designing spaces where people 

want to put down roots. Building communities is more 

than carving out roads and plotting homes. It’s about 

creating a sense of place where you look forward to 

spending time together and conceiving a place that feels 

comfortably familiar.” 

This has been a year that in many respects has been 

anything but comfortable or familiar. A virus and the 

resulting closures, financial impact, and uncertainty have 

left no one untouched. Welter wrote a letter to his tenants 

at the beginning of the lockdown to offer assistance if 

anyone had trouble making payments. >> 


Building communities 

is ...about creating a 

sense of place where 

you look forward 

to spending time 

together... 

— Jake Wagner, VJW Limited, 

at site of The Brooks at Vale Park 

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ValpoChamber.org 9

HAPPY AT HOME 

We will 

weather this 

storm together. 

Valparaiso 

will remain 

a wonderful 

and vibrant 

community for 

people to enjoy 

— Jake Wagner 

>> “I let them know they could 

reach out to me and that I would 

work with them,” he recalls. “I 

don’t want to see anyone fail. 

But, no one reached out. People 

wanted to work hard, and they 

met their obligation. Just like the 

community support they received, 

they wanted to support me too.” 

Though the immediate aftershocks 

of the pandemic temporarily set 

back the development, Welter says 

things are proceeding smoothly. 

He takes his cue from his family’s 

history of weathering downturns, 

recessions, and the Great 

Depression. “We made it through 

the crash. We persevere and help 

the community. Developments 

raise the value of the community as 

a whole by helping the city grow. A 

thriving community attracts more 

businesses and jobs, and helps 

create a better standard of living.” 

Tezak and Utesch say the pandemic hasn’t slowed down 

development at Stonebridge. “The infrastructure is fine. We still have 

a high number of phone calls and a lot of demand.” If anything, they 

add, the pandemic has altered some of the custom-design requests. 

“Working from home has made people realize things that are missing 

that they may not have considered before, like an extra office space.” 

Wagner says the pandemic has actually motivated the VJW Limited 

team to expand ways to integrate outdoor and indoor design as 

living space. “Indoor and outdoor living has long been a focus 

of mine. The Brooks takes this concept a step further, to offer an 

experiential living community with pathways and common green 

spaces. A place where residents can stay connected to others and to 

nature without ever leaving home.” Staycation becomes a pleasant 

everyday reality with proper planning. 

Echoing Welter’s sentiments, Wagner remains confident that 

Valparaiso and the surrounding community will weather this 

pandemic just as it’s overcome many challenges throughout its 

history. “We will weather this storm together. Valparaiso will remain 

a wonderful and vibrant community for people to enjoy life. This 

pandemic has reminded us of the tremendous value of home, of 

living in a supportive community and in a home that serves your 

family. Those qualities are lasting and have always driven our mission. 

We build homes that people like to live in and put down roots in 

communities where we also enjoy living.” 


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ValpoChamber.org 11

Developing a 

Foothold Into 

Tomorrow 

By Amanda Wilson 

USA Today’s 10Best travel and lifestyle 

website recently recognized Valparaiso as 

one of 20 finalists for best historic small 

town in the United States. This great praise 

echoes the experience of those who live 

and work in the region. Valparaiso proudly 

displays its roots in everything from its 

architecture to its cultural offerings. But, 

Valparaiso’s greatness lies in that it looks 

ahead without leaving the past behind. 

We spoke with local developers about 

exciting new developments that are on 

the horizon. 

Bluejay spec building 

(2650 Barley Rd): George 

Douglas, and Jeff Leetz, 

Indiana Beverage 

What was the vision that launched 

this development? 

Douglas: “We have roughly 12 acres to 

the north of the existing Indiana Beverage 

distribution center, which the Leetz family 

envisioned as either future growth for 

Indiana Beverage, or as a development >> 

Mike Micka, Holladay Properties and 

Jeff Leetz, Indiana Beverage 


ValpoChamber.org 13


>> opportunity outside of the beer 

business. With the 55,000 square feet 

of warehouse addition put on two years 

ago, there was a comfort level that we 

had ample room to handle future growth 

within the building’s footprint. Therefore, 

the extra 12 acres could be put to a more 

productive use. We began exploring several 

different concepts and ideas, and eventually 

connected with Holladay Properties on 

developing a multi-tenant building model 

for the parcel. The last 15 months have been 

focused on tweaking the concept, design, 

and then construction of the building that 

is now complete. We had our first tenant 

move in in mid-June. They are relocating 

their offices from Chesterton and bringing 

55 jobs to the Valparaiso community. This 

tenant will be occupying about 11 percent 

of the building, so the focus right now is to 

market and fill up the remaining space as 

soon as possible.” 

Has the Covid-19 pandemic affected 

the timeline or changed the direction 

of your plans for the building? 

Douglas: “I don’t believe there is a person 

or business that hasn’t been affected 

by Covid-19. Certainly all sectors of the 

real estate market have. The residential, 

commercial, and industrial sectors were not 

immune to the negative effects of closing 

the economy to non-essential business 

for the past two months. We are learning 

to manage our expectations during this 

unprecedented time. 

Safety is certainly first and foremost for our 

people and community. As things begin to 

open up again – and, businesses begin to 

reevaluate their capex and business needs 

– we know that commercial and industrial 

real estate activity will pick up. Our points of 

difference with this building are its location 

and flexible space.” 

How will this building benefit the 

community at large? 

Douglas: “We believe in the long-term 

success of Valparaiso. The newly completed 

building provides an aesthetic gateway to 

the community. It offers flexible build-out 

space from 8,000 square feet to 55,000 

square feet, so it can accommodate a new 

start-up or a growing business needing to 

expand. Easy access to major highways, 

close proximity to the Chicago market, 

a favorable tax environment, and the 

availability of a skilled workforce make this 

building a great location for any business.” 

Leetz: “Our family started doing business 

in Valpo in the late 1800’s. This community 

has been very good to us for a long time. 

We are very excited to continue to invest 

and be a part of the exciting growth in the 

Valparaiso area. 

Viking Place Business Park on 

Calumet Ave in Valparaiso 


Real Estate Development & Management 

Commercial & Residential 

We think this beautiful, new multi-tenant building will be a 

wonderful addition to our community and provide businesses a 

great location and opportunity to be successful.” 

Viking Place 

(2505 Calumet Ave): 

Gus Olympidis, president and CEO 

of Family Express Corporation 

What led to your decision to build Viking Place? 

“Family Express is headquartered in the Valparaiso community 

and has been an anchor for the local economy for nearly 50 

years. We purchased the Urschel Property after being contacted 

by a representative of the company encouraging us to acquire 

it. At that time, we were challenged with an older Family Express 

store nearby that simply didn’t have the space to expand. 

The commercial park has been named Viking Place and is fully 

developed now. New streets connecting Calumet Avenue 

with Vale Park Road have been constructed. All underground 

infrastructure has been installed in order to facilitate ‘shovelready’ 

opportunities for retail or medical prospects. The 

business park features six lots ranging in size. The location of this 

property is in the very heart of the city’s demography, and it has 

unprecedented access.” 

TOGETHER 

CAN 

PHONE: 219.232.8785 WEB: WeValpo.com 

EMAIL: WeManageValpo@gmail.com 

How has Valparaiso played a part in building 

Viking Place? 

“The City of Valparaiso has been helpful in the planning of 

this development. Reinvestment is necessary in order to 

prevent the inadvertent decay of the north end of Valpo’s 

commercial development. It all started with the construction 

of the roundabout, which radically improved the five-way 

intersection. It’s been intensified by the construction of the new 

Family Express store, the 1st Source Bank branch, a new coffee 

shop, the Viking Place park, and all that is likely to happen with 

the redevelopment of the now-demolished K-Mart site. Other 

businesses in the area are supporting the spirit of renewal by 

investing in major and minor improvements.” 

Vale Park Animal Hospital 

(3515 Lake Mead Cir): Dr. Brent Lakia 

How has the pandemic affected the opening of your 

new location? 

“The pandemic has certainly affected us as a community and 

a business, without a doubt. I’m sure there are many ways it’s 

affected us that we haven’t even begun to realize, but, as for the 

actual construction process, it’s had very little effect. Some of 

the supply factories for things like our flooring stopped >> 

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ValpoChamber.org 15


Dr. Mary Ann Sheller, Practice 

Owner and Dr. Brent Lakia, 

Practice Owner, Vale Park 

Animal Hospital 

>> production, but overall our craftsmen 

and contractors were able to forge 

ahead without a perceivable delay in our 

construction timeline. 

As for how the practice will open, we’re a 

bit disappointed that we won’t get to have 

a grand celebration during our opening. 

During the initial stages of the pandemic, we 

developed curbside services where we cared 

for our patients in the hospital while our 

clients remained safely in their cars. We’ve 

since opened the hospital to clients to be in 

our exam rooms, but we are requiring masks. 

We anticipate opening our lobby to clients 

when we open, but we will be ensuring social 

distancing to the best that our profession 

can allow. Once the gathering guidelines are 

clearer and our community is comfortable, 

we are looking forward to celebrating with 

everyone. We hope to have a grand opening 

in the fall.” 

Why did you choose the Lakes of 

Valparaiso to build your new location? 

“Our client base has grown so much since I 

started at the practice some 20 years ago. 

Over that time, our clinic has expanded 

several times to include more parking space, 

added exam rooms, and additional hospital 

space to accommodate our patients. But, 

over the past few years, it became clear that 

we had run out of space in our current land 

area to make the changes we would need to 

increase our ability to serve the community. 

So, about two years ago, we purchased 

the land at Lakes of Valparaiso to build our 

new clinic. We chose the Lakes because 

it was a business park; there would be 

accommodations for water drainage and 

other infrastructure already in place; it 

offered a great location with high visibility 

from Route 49; and, of course, it was right off 

of Vale Park Road. 

The Lakes of Valparaiso is a wonderful 

development. It was easy to get our utilities 

set up, as all of the power, water, and more 

was already on the street – which was made 

for us – and delivered to our curb. We didn’t 

have to build new lines or pipes to establish 

our services. 

Additionally, they had already designed out 

lots for water drainage to help with run off 

and other concerns that come with building 

a new building. The apartments on the south 

end of the complex provide a ready, new 

market for the services we’ll be offering 

shortly after opening. We’ll offer expanded 

boarding services for cats and dogs, doggie 

day care, and grooming services, which we 

were unable to offer in a similar manner at 

our current location. 

And, the aesthetics of the park itself, the 

apartments, and the whole project match 

the greater Valparaiso community. Whether 

you’re a client coming in for a wellness 

appointment, or, a business person looking 

to relocate or establish a business, the Lakes 

complex is a great place to be.” >> 


INTRODUCING 

A unique community in a natural setting. 

• Cottages to estates to maintenance-free living 

• Natural trails, tranquil waterside settings, clubhouse and pool 

• 50+ acres of preserved green space, alongside 2 lakes 

For information, info@TheBrooksValpo.com 

BETTER built for our business. 

Left to right: Dan Duncan, Peoples VP, 

Business Banker with Todd Adams, 

President of Adams Masonry. 

Why bank bigger… bank better with a bank that puts your business first. 

“Part of the reason I chose Peoples Bank was the convenience of several locations and customer service. Their service is consistently 

superior. I can reach out to their Business Bankers with whatever I need and I get a call back right away. It’s really convenient to have them 

readily available to me. They do a great job of following up, staying in touch with me, and making sure all my needs are taken care of!” 

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of Adams Masonry 

Member FDIC 

Peoples Bank is an SBA (Small Business Administration) approved lender. *2018 Regional Development Company Award. **American Banker Magazine 

ValpoChamber.org 17


>> 

Porterfield Family Chiropractic 

(1550 Clark Dr): Dr. Ryan 

Porterfield 

Why did you decide to build a 

new building for Porterfield Family 

Chiropractic? 

“It was clear a few years ago that we needed 

more space to meet the demands of our 

growing patient base. We looked around 

at existing buildings, but there really wasn’t 

much to choose from because Valparaiso is 

growing so much. After talking about it for a 

while, I was able to start planning for it as one 

of my goals. Our new building is just south of 

U.S. 30 on Route 2 across from where Fetla’s 

Trading Post used to be. With as much as 

Valparaiso is growing, we’re excited to be 

slightly closer to downtown Valparaiso. We’ll 

even have a portion of our building available 

for a lease that’s approximately 1,200 square 

feet. We’ll also be able to expand our services 

in this new building too. And, we’re hoping to 

grow our team and add another doctor.” 

What help did you receive that made 

your new location possible? 

“Luckily, my wife, Elisha, is a financial planner, 

and she was able to help me envision the 

steps to begin the process. She kept telling 

me about all of the amazing resources 

available to businesses in Northwest Indiana 

to help them grow, and helped me connect 

the dots to make it become a reality. 

We could not have done this without an 

amazing team of people, not only on my 

staff, but also Kent Mishler and Lisa Kuehl 

at Horizon Bank; Erica Dombey and Nicole 

Zell at the Regional Development Company; 

Lori Feldt and Gary Brownlee at the ISBDC 

and general contractor Jim Minard. Also, of 

course, our awesome team of builders. We 

also had a lot of cheerleaders and mentors 

throughout the process that encouraged us 

to proceed like Dr. Tom Boyt, who recently 

retired from Valparaiso University, and many 

in our church family at Valparaiso First United 

Methodist.” 

Valparaiso has grown through and beyond 

challenges throughout its history, from 

economic recessions to pandemics. 

Developers continue this proud tradition 

of growth and help ensure that Valparaiso 

remains a great place to live and work. 

Customer Appreciation 

FREE JEWELRY REPAIR 

1415 E. Lincolnway 219.465.7262 


Dr. Ryan Porterfield 

WE WILL ROCK YOU 

But don’t just take our word for it, see what our fellow 

chamber members say about working with Kre-Eight 

— Mark Connors 

Boy-Conn Print & Copy 

“ YOU 

ROCK” 

— Barb Grimsgard 

Center of Workforce Innovations 

— Kelli Peek 

Century 21 Executive Realty 

— Lori Daly 

Porter County Expo 

— Danielle Oeding 

Valpo Chamber 

Call 219-561-1040 

ValpoChamber.org 19

CHAMBER FOCUS | 2020 COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT AWARDS 

The Valpo Chamber and the City of Valparaiso have 

recognized 10 local businesses and organizations for their 

commitment and investment in Valparaiso by awarding 

them with a 53rd Annual Community Improvement Award. A 

luncheon, sponsored by presenting sponsors Porter Regional 

Hospital and NITCO; featured sponsors 1st Source Bank, 

Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, CLH CPAs and Consultants, 

St. Mary Medical Center, and Teachers Credit Union will be 

held on Thursday, August 6. The event will be held at the 

Porter County Expo Center to honor the recipients and their 

projects that improve our city. 

Community Improvement Awards are based on the visual impact 

of exterior appearance and are judged on the following criteria: 

Enhances the attractiveness of Valparaiso; Compatible with the 

area and environment; Makes a commitment to Valparaiso’s 

future; Shows creativity/innovation in both design and use of 

materials; Enhances the quality of life and promotes pride in 

Valparaiso. These projects join the more than 350 properties that 

have been recognized since the awards program began in 1967. 

Barley Properties – Bluejay 1 

2650 Barley Rd 

Architects – Curran Architecture and Holladay Properties 

Designer/Contractor – Holladay Properties 

Crew Carwash 

2615 LaPorte Ave 

Architect - Cripe Architecture 

Contractor/Builder - Integrated Construction Solutions, LLC 

Civil Engineer - DVG Team Inc. 

Stacks Rooftop 

175 Lincolnway, Ste C 

Contractor – Vaughn Staab 

Designers – Art Georgian Jr. & Vaughn Staab 

Builder – VLS Construction 


Calvary Church – Even More 

1304 & 1325 Evans Ave 

Architect/Designer – Shive-Hattery 

Construction, Summit Builders 

Contractors/Builders – Restore-Tech, Tonn & Blank 

Tactical Training Building For Law Enforcement 

MAAC Foundation 4203 Montdale Park Dr 

Inc. Co., Construction 

Inc. 

Larson-Danielson 

Co., Architect – Robin Witte, 

Construction 

Larson-Danielson 

Contractor – Terry Larson, 

Computer Services, Inc. 

2401 N Calumet Ave 

Shive-Hattery 

Shive-Hattery 

Ritter, 

Klancer, 

Victor 

Jeffrey 

- Architect 

Designer - 

Contractor & Builder - Tonn & Blank Construction 

Landscape Designer - Lakeshore Landscaping 

Vale Park Animal Hospital 

3515 Lake Mead Cir 

Tokarz 

Architects 

Chris and Matthys 

Group Linden 

Michael 

- Architect 

Designer - 

Contractor/Builder - RWE Design Build 

Landscape Designer - Hubbinger Landscape 

Presenting Sponsors: 

More Community Improvement Awards >> 

ValpoChamber.org 21

CHAMBER FOCUS | 2020 COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT AWARDS 

Valparaiso City Hall 

166 Lincolnway 

Vale View 

260 S Franklin St 

Architect/Contractor – Chester, Inc. 

Designers – Matt Welter, Wayne Welter, Chester, Inc. 

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2902 Campbell St 

Land Planner – Bill Oeding 

Contractor - Gariup Construction 

Designers – Lehman & Lehman & Troyer Group 

and Project Management of the City of Valparaiso 

Builders – Gariup Construction, Horticulture Division of Valpo Parks, 

Project Manager – Don McGinley, City of Valparaiso 

Facilities Manager – Dan McGuire, Valpo Parks 

PennsyDepotRoom.com 

Charlesworth 

Financial 

Services 

2000 Comeford Rd 

Valparaiso 

219-531-9519 

#FurreverHomeFriday 

f @DCExecutiveRealty 

like share 

Dawn Collins 

OFFICE: 219.531.2288 

CELL: 219.921.3731 

Dawn@DawnCollins.com 

In all things move ahead... 

57 Franklin Street | Suite 115 | Valparaiso DCExecutiveRealty.com 

ValpoChamber.org 23

Calkins’ Hill 

VALPO CHAMBER 

M 

B 

E M 

R 

SINCE 1990 

E 

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY 

HOMESERVICES 

EXECUTIVE GROUP 

REAL ESTATE 

2612 N Calumet Ave 

219-464-8521 

www.execgrp.com 

Contact: Larry Hitz 

For over 40 years, Executive Group has helped people buy 

and sell homes in Valparaiso. In the past 5 years, Larry Hitz, 

Broker/Owner and Developer, has seen a transformation in 

the downtown infrastructure and a resurgence in the interest 

to live close to the vibrant downtown amenities. Larry Hitz 

Development LLC invested in the downtown by developing the 

first of the urban lifestyle products on Chicago Street. The first 

four townhomes were all sold prior to even breaking ground. 

The demand was so high that Larry built two more townhomes 

west of the first development. Hitz’s success with the Chicago 

Street Townhomes started with organizing a focus group of 

individuals who expressed interest in moving away from their 

large homes and yards to a more urban lifestyle. Open concepts, 

flexible spaces, security, high-end amenities and finishes were all 

incorporated into the design. 

VALPO CHAMBER 

>>BUSINESSSNAPSHOTS 

This success was noticed by Faganel Builders, who brought 

together the team who contributed to the success of the Chicago 

Street developments: land planner, Chris Lannert, architect, Scott 

These members of the Valpo Chamber are currently working to develop Calkins’ Hill. 

Roth, real estate broker, Larry Hitz. Larry was instrumental in 

refining the original design and layout of Calkins’ Hill by marrying 

in the wants of those who purchased on Chicago Street with 

photography of facades of luxury homes in Chicago. Hitz started 

promoting the townhomes to a cultivated database of people 

who had expressed interest in the earlier project and taking 

reservations for lots/models. The sales and marketing of Calkins’ 

Hill will be conducted exclusively by BHHS Executive Group. 

More information may be found on their website: www.ExecGrp. 

com/CalkinsHill. 

M 

B 

E M 

R 

SINCE 2020 

E 

FAGANEL BUILDERS LLC 

735 Morton Ave 

Aurora, IL 60506 

630-253-2976 

www.faganelhomes.com 

Contact: David Faganel 

Faganel Builders is a long-time Western Chicago Suburban 

homebuilder and developer. Dave Faganel, the owner and 

principal of Faganel Builders, is a third-generation homebuilder 

whose family has built over 3,000 custom homes. Over the years 

Faganel builders has won many homebuilder awards for design. 

A Faganel home is recognized for stylish exteriors and functional 

open floorplans, with large windows that let in a plethora of 

natural light. 


BUSINESS SNAPSHOTS >> 

GREEN BUILDING SCIENCE 

The Industry Leader in High Performance Homes 

What Faganel is best known for is being the industry leader in 

building state of the art, high performance homes that provide 

superior energy efficiency, comfort, safety, a healthy indoor 

environment, low maintenance and quietness in every home 

they build. Over time, Faganel and their team of subcontractors 

learned how to build a high-performance home and how to test 

every home, so it meets the highest standards. Over the years 

Faganel has continually improved their construction package to 

remain the leader in high performance homes. 

Our job is to create and oversee a first-class team to handle 

all aspects of Calkins’ Hill, from the acquisition and zoning, 

tel. (630)913-1201 

product development and design, construction management, 

sales and marketing through home warranty. 

“When we first looked at the Calkins’ Hill site, we were really 

impressed with the Valparaiso community as a whole and in 

particular the vibrancy of the downtown,” commented Dave 

Faganel. “We understood that this was a unique opportunity, 

assembling a city block close to the downtown. Helping us 

along the way was a very talented team of familiar faces and 

new ones. They did a great job and we are particularly proud 

of the land plan and home design which shows off a classic 

traditional Tudor/Brownstone exterior with the garages hidden 

in the back, facing a unique courtyard internal park. The 

community can be proud of the wonderful streetscape that will 

be created, and the owners will have an intimate setting in the 

back of the house.” 

Calkins’ Hill, with its fantastic location, stunning architecture, 

excellent land plan and spectacular roof top gardens will be the 

signature multifamily neighborhood in Valparaiso, and probably 

in Northwest Indiana. 

VALPO CHAMBER 

M 

B 

E M 

R 

SINCE 2019 

E 

Terry Faltz 

ROTH ARCHITECTS, INC. 

4909 W Catalpa Ave, Ste 1 

Chicago, IL 60630 

874-475-4750 

www.rotharchitects.com 

Contact: Scott Roth 

Roth Architects, Inc. is a residential architecture firm 

with corporate offices located in Chicago, Illinois. 

Founded in 2000 by its principal and president, Scott 

D. Roth, the firm brings a wealth of residential and 

light frame commercial architecture expertise to 

builders and developers of all sizes. 

Residential Architects shaping Valparaiso’s downtown and surrounding areas 

735 Morton Ave Aurora, IL 60506 

tfaltz@pricorhome.com 

RESET 

The firm’s versatility is a testament to the depth and 

scope of Roth’s expertise as SAVE a specialist in AS residential 

architecture of every flavor. Indeed, Roth’s impressive www.rotharchitects.com 

background spans over 35 years including mid-and large-sized 847.475.4750 

architecture firms, 

where he earned a reputation for hands-on design and close collaboration with 

builder/developer clients. Roth’s passion for roll-up-your-shirt-sleeves design led 

him to start his own service-driven firm, where quality, not quantity, is the focus. 

Versatility is key to Roth’s success. “Residential architecture is a niche that requires a 

keen observation of how people live, as well as how they want to live,” he says. 

Roth Architects was asked to study the Calkins’ Hill site (previously known as The 

White House restaurant) along with the Lannert Group (land planners & landscape 

architects). Having just completed several duplexes on Chicago Ave., they had a 

small market segment of what was desired in the downtown area. 

The designs took advantage of the natural topography of the site while providing 

on site amenities such as a common green area, private driveways and garages. 

They incorporated a roof top living area along with outdoor deck – all with the 

option of having a private elevator take one from the garage level all the way 

to the roof top. 

The elevations lend themselves to a traditional time period to compliment the 

historic nature of downtown Valparaiso, which has just been recognized by USA 

Today newspaper as “one of the top 20 best historical small towns in the country.” 

Caring for our 

Communities 

for 

125 

years 

MEMBER FDIC 

1-888-CENTIER | CENTIER.COM 

ValpoChamber.org 25

NEW MEMBER INVESTORS 

NEW MEMBERS > 

The Valpo Chamber welcomes board-approved new 

members who joined during March, April and May, 2020. 

All addresses are in the 46383 zip code and phone numbers are 

219 area code unless otherwise indicated. 

Interested in joining the largest and most active chamber 

in Northwest Indiana? Contact Danielle Oeding at 

(219) 462-1105 or danielle@valpochamber.org. 

Amps & Volts Electric, 

Inc. 

755 W Chicago St, 46385 

510-5500 

Brenda Krause 

Electricians 

Generators 

ampselectric.com 

Residential and small business 

electrical service and repair, residential 

and small business standby generator 

and repair. 

Definitive Details 

355 S Morthland Dr 

309-7087 

Justin Anderson 

Auto-Detailing 

definitive-details.com 

At Definitive Details, we are passionate 

about the details. You’ll be able to 

see that with our results. We are 

meticulous in all of our work and take 

the time needed to make every vehicle 

look its absolute best. What sets us 

apart from other detailers is the 

amount of care, patience and work 

we put into every vehicle that comes 

through our doors. If you’ve been 

searching for the best car detailing 

near you, your search ends with us. 

Elara Caring 

813 N Porter Campus Dr., Ste E 

246-5171 

Stacy Graves 

Healthcare/Home Health Services 

Hospice 

elara.com 

Elara Caring is a provider of skilled 

home health and hospice. Our 

intimate understanding of our 

patients’ needs allows us to apply 

proprietary platforms to deliver 

proactive, customized care that 

improves quality of life and keeps 

patients in their home. 

FirstCare Home Care 

1595 S Calumet Rd 

Chesterton 46304 

476-5785 

Kristi Ritter 

Healthcare/Home Health Services 

firstcarehomecare.com 

FirstCare Home Care offers a wide 

variety of services for you or your loved 

one, from “AM Wake-Up” to “PM Tuck 

In”. We can customize a service plan to 

suit your specific needs. Call today for 

a free in-home assessment. 

Gil Drugs 

52 Lincolnway 

462-4146 

Gilbert Terlicher 

Health & Wellness Products & Services 

Drug Store & Pharmacies 

gildrugs.com 

Gil Drugs is a full-service customer 

orientated pharmacy located in 

downtown Valparaiso since 1955. We 


focus on medication management 

for our customers and provide 

unsurpassed service including health 

monitoring, vaccines, and free delivery. 

Hitech Industrial 

2502 Beech St, Ste 90 

707-5956 

Steve Burke 

Distributors 

hitech-industrial.com 

We are an industrial distributor 

that provides products to include 

lubrication greases, oils, and related 

products. We have automatic 

lubrication systems, hydraulic products 

from valves to turn key systems, 

onsite hydraulic hose fabrication, PPE 

products (gloves, masks, sanitizers and 

disinfectants). 

Hoosiers for 

Renewables 

2741 E. Akers Rd. 

Pines Village, IN 47975 

765-426-8403 

Steve Eberly 

Public Relations 

hoosiersforrenewables.com 

Public relations, education relating to 

renewable energy with a force to wind 

and utility scale solar energy. 

IBEW Local 531 

2751 N State Road 39 

La Porte 46359 

362-2119 

Jim Clarida 

Electricians 

ibewlocal531.org 

We represent local skilled electricians 

who work for local contractors. 

Limitless Nutrition 

265 Morthland Dr, 46385 

510-5631 

Sarah Keelen 

Restaurants 

limitlessnutrition.club 

Healthy nutrition on the go! Boost 

your metabolism, maximize your 

health and achieve your goals to lose, 

maintain, or gain weight. Herbalife in 

Valpo. It’s time to feel better and look 

better. 

Robert Half 

International 

8001 Broadway, Ste 301 

Merrillville 46410 

736-0830 

Jennifer LeBlanc 

Employment-Human Resource/Staffing/ 

Training 

roberthalf.com 

Ranked by Forbes as one of America’s 

best professional recruiting firms, 

Robert Half provides temp, temp 

to hire, and direct hire specialized 

staffing solutions for accounting, 

administrative and clerical personnel. 

Robert Tylisz Appliance 

907 Calumet Ave 

286-7678 

Scott Thompson 

Appliances 

rtappliance.com 

Robert Tylisz Appliance is your source 

for top quality appliances and repair 

service. We have dedicated ourselves 

to providing our customers with a 

combination of service, selection, and 

value that is unmatched by anyone in 

the industry. 

Veteran CFO 

Services, Inc. 

405-2483 

Richard Blakeley 

Accountants/Tax Services 

veterancfo.com 

Providing outsourced CFO/Controller 

services and financial reporting 

needs for small and medium sized 

businesses allowing ownership to 

make informed decisions, pursue new 

revenue opportunities and resolve 

business challenges. 

VJW The Brooks LLC 

450 Vale Park Rd, Ste A, 46385 

548-9800 

Jake Wagner 

Builders & Developers 

Real Estate-Developers 

vjwlimited.com 

Real estate land developer and 

consulting. 

Residential Architects shaping Valparaiso’s downtown and surrounding areas 

www.rotharchitects.com 

847.475.4750 

ValpoChamber.org 27

Choose The BesT 

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dealer, in 

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complete 4 contractor a project, is 

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ne 

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is 

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15 years.” 

re 

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home 

reinforce 

for involves 

the 

your 

soil under 

much home 

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products, he says. 

competed alongside 

commitment to perfection 5 Does t 

LandsCaping an authorized 

our and & 

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In 2011, Dean’s use of angular shapes All landscaping 

238 Kennedy Ave. 

contra 

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Recently other Dean’s landscaping firms materials, including 

Schererville, IN complete shines dealer, a project, through. installer their of 

, too. fo 

design We 

and circle pattern to 

return ph 

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won’t your stain home the 

for 

pavers,” 

25 involves years. 

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trees, shrubs and flowers, (291)864-9078 

25 years. 

deanslandscaping.com 

commitment paving And to as perfection products. part of the 

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& arrive o 

us than for price, 10 Doing says Savarino, your homework who has before been you in signother landscaping highlight the Wisconsin, firms living area also carry a one-year 

outdoor and won 

shines through. 

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spaces 

your 

are 

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also critical to lasting 

before you Best 

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for 

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business beauty a for and contract durability, 25 years. is he vital says. and will save “Best you Design, both Laffitt from Illinois, the (in an) top Indiana outdoor award. space 

“Visit the business’ 

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nd Doing contract “Ask if your 

money is homework vital contractor 

and Recently 

and is will an authorized 

frustration, before save 

Dean’s 

you 

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says. sign money The honor was 

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and Wisconsin, “We were and won named 

company’s 

5 

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contractor 

installer of the product being used,” 

(that) fosters comfort 

awarded for “superior 

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warranties Dean’son patio 

ch a contract more 

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alongside 

best award. and pattern warmth.” out of the they three offer,” Savarino says. 

Landscaping return bricks, provides phone calls 

commitment to perfection 

and a 10-year 

Dean’s Landscaping uses only Belgard 

been money in 

“When and outdoor frustration, you’re 

other space, putting 

landscaping the says. construction a patio ® to highlight the living area (in an) outdoor The way plants are treated at the 

firms 

or other is so “We were states. named We beat out 

7-year warranties warranty 

& arrive 

on on on 

engineered patio time 

Hardscape products and is authorized space (that) fosters comfort and As warmth.” part of your landscaping firm tells you a great shines deal about through. 

“When outdoor dealer important. and you’re installer space, putting of You must a have patio a or proper other base. best The out firms of the from three Chicago,” 

and bricks, walls. and Belgard a 10-year 

from these 

Illinois, construction top-of-the-line 

Indianais so As important. 

part of your research, check to how those plantings will do at your home or 

for appointments? also has a ne 

outdoor 

interlocking 

compaction space, 

concrete 

the 

pavers. 

make certain the landscaping 

research, 

contractor is 

check 

place 

to 

of 

make 

business, he says. And as part of the 

construction rate is critical. is We so also use Geo- states. We Savarino beat out says with 

warranty lifetime on engineered warranty on their 

ou d 

important. sign You In must addition, have 

Grid You and 

the company a 

to reinforce must Wisconsin, proper earned base. 

have the a proper and The 

soil under base. won 

licensed compaction in your municipality, 

the The pavers, firms from 

certain bonded and 

pride Chicago,” 

the landscaping “We use mushroom composite 

company’s 

to amend 

service, Dean’s 

certification from the Interlocking Concrete insured. Ask references and check in them, his voice. the soil before we plant. When we plant a 

walls. Belgard products, also he has says. a more L 

u compaction both rate 

Pavement 

is critical. 

Institute. 

and we rate the We 

use is 

Savarino top also 

critical. only award. completed 

use Geo-Grid 

Polymeric We also 

the 

Sand. use 

he 

to 

advises. 

reinforce 

Geo- This Savarino contractor says In 2011, withDean’s 

is licensed tree, we install small pipes to Landscaping get water to provides lifetime warranty All landscaping on their dean’s 2L 

Grid 

the ICPI’s 

to reinforce 

soil concrete under paver 

prevents weed the “We the institute 

soil 

pavers, course 

were growth, under named and to 

ant the 

we 

hills pavers, 

use “Pick only a company with a reputation in a the roots so they grow. We also apply PHC 

obtain that certification. 

specific and industry,” erosion. pride Savarino in Landscaping adds. his your voice. “Check municipality, also Tree Saver, a type of bacteria 7-year that helpswarranties on patio products, materials, he says. including LandsCa S 

or and other Polymeric we Dean’s 

It use Landscaping 

also only Sand. best won’t Polymeric This out has also 

stain 

prevents of won 

the the Sand. major 

pavers,” three weed Thiswhat Savarino 

growth, the consumers ant 

says. In are 2011, saying 

earned bonded Dean’s about the 

Belgard’s and insured. 

create fine 

Ask 

hair roots so the and tree thrives,” bricks, and a 10-year All landscaping trees, shrubs and flowers, 238 Kenn (2 

awards for landscaping work, including company and the work they perform.” Savarino says. 

need 

prevents weed de 

so hills The states. materials growth, We ant used beat hills to and out create erosion. these Landscaping World also Class Award 

warranty on engineeredmaterials, also including carry a one-year 

Scherervi 

hardscaping. and erosion. It also won’t stain the When pavers.” 

artisans at Dean’s for Landscaping references and “It’s check an investment in your home.” 

It also won’t outdoor stain spaces the pavers,” are also Savarino critical to says. lastingearned Belgard’s for Best in Class for 

trees, shrubs warranty. and flowers, (291)864 

r base. The materials firms used from to Chicago,” create these outdoor them, he advises. 

walls. Belgard also has a more info? 

deanslands 

o use The spaces Geoe 

pavers, durability, he pride says. in “Ask his if voice. your contractor is an 

products, he says. 

location 

materials beauty are Savarino also and used critical durability, to says create to lasting he with these says. beauty and World Class “Best Award Design, Laffitt 

lifetime warranty on their also carry “Visit a one-year the business’ 

A SpeicAl publicAtion of the timeS mediA co. “Pick a company with 

September 20, 2012 // How-to Guide // 51 

outdoor spaces “Ask if are your also contractor critical to is lasting an authorized for Best Paver”. in Class The forhonor was 

Provided warranty. 

dean’s LaWn & 

LandsCaping 

and see the 

beauty and installer durability, of the he product says. being used,” “Best Design, a reputation 

awarded Laffitt in a specific 

for “superior 

“Visit quality the business’ 

This authorized installer of the products 

“Ask Savarino if your contractor 

In 2011, of the Dean’s product being used,” 

says. is an authorized Paver”. use The industry,” of honor angular Savarino was 

All landscaping 

shapes adds. and “Check circle what pattern the consumers Provided 

238 Kennedy Ave. 

they are offer,” saying location Savarino and says. see the 

d installer erosion. Savarino of Dean’s the says. Landscaping product Landscaping being also used,” uses only Belgard awarded ® to for highlight “superior 

materials, including 

Schererville, IN 

about the company the living and area the (in work an) they outdoor perform.” The way quality plants are of the treated products at the 

arino Savarino says. Dean’s Hardscape says. Landscaping earned products Belgard’s uses and only is an Belgard® authorizeduse of angular space (that) shapes fosters and circle comfort pattern and warmth.” trees, they shrubs offer,” landscaping and Savarino flowers, (291)864-9078 

When the artisans at Dean’s Landscaping complete a project, firm says. tells deanslandscaping.com 

you a great deal about 

eseDean’s Hardscape dealer Landscaping World products installer Class uses and of Award only is these an Belgard authorized top-of-the-line 

® dealer 

highlight their As the commitment part living of your area research, to (in perfection an) outdoor check shines also to carry through. The a one-year way how plants those are plantings treated will at do theat your home or 

lasting Hardscape and interlocking installer products for of Best these concrete and in top-of-the-line is Class an pavers. authorized for interlocking space (that) make And fosters certain as part comfort the of the landscaping company’s warmth.” contractor service, warranty. Dean’s landscaping is Landscaping 

place firm of business, tells you he a great says. deal about 

dealer concrete and In installer pavers. addition, “Best of Design, these company top-of-the-line 

Laffitt earned As part licensed of your in research, your municipality, check tobonded “Visit andhow the those business’ “We plantings use mushroom will do at your composite home to or 

provides 7-year warranties on patio and bricks, and a 10-year 

amend 

thorized interlocking In certification addition, concrete Paver”. the from pavers. company The the honor Interlocking earned wascertification 

Concrete make certain insured. the Ask landscaping for references Provided contractor and check is location them, place and of the see business, soil thebefore says. we plant. When we plant a 

,” In addition, Pavement awarded the Institute. company for Savarino earned “superior completed licensed warranty 

the he in advises. your municipality, on engineered bonded walls. and Belgard also has 

quality of “We a 

the use lifetime 

tree, products mushroom we install small composite pipes to to amend 

from the Interlocking Concrete Pavement 

get water to 

certification ICPI’s from concrete the Interlocking paver institute Concrete course to insured. warranty Ask “Pick for a references on company their products, and with check a reputation says. them, in the a soil the before roots we so plant. they When grow. we We plant also apply a 

use of angular shapes and circle pattern they offer,” Savarino says. 

PHC 

Pavement Institute. 

obtain Institute. Savarino 

that certification. 

Savarino completed completed the ICPI’s the concrete he advises. specific industry,” Savarino adds. “Checktree, we Tree install Saver, small a pipes type of to bacteria get water that to helps 

elgard ICPI’s paver concrete ® 

All landscaping materials, including trees, shrubs and flowers, 

institute to 

Dean’s paver highlight 

Landscaping course institute to the obtain course living 

has also that toarea certification. (in an) 

won major “Pick outdoor 

what a company the consumers with The a reputation way plants 

are saying in about aare treated 

the the roots at the 

also carry a one-year warranty. 

create so they fine grow. hair roots We also apply the tree PHCthrives,” 

horized obtain Dean’s that awards certification. 

Landscaping space 

for landscaping 

(that) has fosters also work, won comfort 

including major awards and specific warmth.” company industry,” and Savarino landscaping 

the work adds. they “Check firm 

perform.” 

tells you Tree a great Saver, Savarino deal a type about 

“Visit the business’ location and see the quality of the says. of bacteria that helps 

f-the-line Dean’s for landscaping hardscaping. Landscaping As work, part has including of also your won hardscaping. 

research, major check what to the consumers When how artisans are saying those at about Dean’s plantings the Landscaping will do create your fine “It’s hair home an roots investment or 

products they offer,” Savarino says. 

so the tree in your thrives,” home.” 

awards Recently for landscaping make Dean’s certain competed work, the including alongside landscaping other contractor company and isthe work place they of perform.” business, he says. Savarino says. 

dhardscaping. 

landscaping licensed firms from in your Illinois, municipality, Indiana and bonded When and the 

The 

artisans 

way plants 

at “We Dean’s 

are treated 

use Landscaping 

at the landscaping 

mushroom composite “It’s an 

firm 

to investment 

tells you 

amend in your home.” 

a great deal about how those plantings will do at your home or 

Concrete Wisconsin, insured. Ask for references and check them, the soil before we plant. When we plant a 

A SpeicAl and publicAtion won the of top the timeSmediAco. award. 

September 20, 2 

pleted the “We were he named advises. 

place of business, 

best out of the three states. 

tree, 

he 

we 

says. 

install small pipes to get water to 

rse A SpeicAl to publicAtion “Pick of the timeSmediAco. a company with a reputation in 

“We 

a 

use mushroom 

the roots 

composite 

so they grow. 

to amend 

We also 

the soil 

apply 

before 

PHC 

we 

September 20, 2012 // How 

We beat out firms from Chicago,” Savarino says 

with pride in 

specific 

his voice. 

industry,” Savarino adds. “Check 

plant. When Tree we plant Saver, a tree, a type we install of bacteria small pipes that to helps get water 

on major what the consumers are saying about to the the roots so create they grow. fine hair We also roots apply so PHC the Tree tree Saver, thrives,” a type 

In 2011, Dean’s Landscaping also earned 

ding company and the work they perform.” of bacteria that Savarino helps create says. fine hair roots so the tree thrives,” 

Belgard’s World Class Award for Best in Class for 

When the artisans at Dean’s Landscaping Savarino says. “It’s an investment in your home.” 

“Best Design, Laffitt Paver.” The honor was 

“It’s an investment in your home.” 

o 

how how 

how 

to 

to 

to 

* Paid Advertisement 

28 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020 

o. September 20, 2012 // How-to Guide // 51 

tip 

m

CHAMBER ANNIVERSARIES >> 

ANNIVERSARY 

HAPPY 

A showcase of member investors who have demonstrated 

an ongoing commitment 

30 

Years 

15 

Years 

• Heat Wagon, Inc. 

• Inman’s Bowling and 

Recreation Center 

• USA Muffler & Brakes 

• Vale Park Animal Hospital 

• Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 

• Campbell St. Café 

• Direct Mail ADvantage 

• Food Bank of Northwest 

Indiana 

10 

Years 

5 

Years 

• Retro Tech Systems, Inc. 

• Central Agency Insurance, LLC 

• Habitat for Humanity of Porter County 

• Massage Envy 

• Sand Creek Country Club 

LEVERICH PAINTING & 

DECORATING, LLC 

Residential 

Commercial 

Staining 

Repaints 

Interior 

Exterior 

Visit Our Gallery @ 

www.leverichpainting.com 219.617.5288 

ValpoChamber.org 29

AROUND 

Valley® Irrigation, The 

Leader in Precision 

Irrigation®, has 

announced Chester, 

Inc. of North 

Thanks to how richly we 

have been blessed here at 

BucherTech, we were 

able to provide a grant to 

Hilltop House! Starting 

August 1, non-profits are 

invited to submit grant 

requests for the fall of 2020. 

We will award a minimum 

of one $2,500 grant this fall. 

A grant form will be posted 

in July! To read more about 

the program, call Bucher 

Tech at 219-465-4500. 

Judson, IN as a Valley 

Performance Plus 

Dealer at the company’s 

2020 National Sales 

Meeting. Chester, Inc. 

has earned this honor for their strong commitment in 

the areas of Service, Aftermarket Support and Sales. 

The Valley Performance Program honors dealerships 

that excel in a variety of measures including exceptional 

customer support in irrigation equipment service, parts 

availability to optimize up time and providing industry 

expertise with transparency to ensure growers can make 

the best purchase decisions for their operation. The 

Valley Performance Program allows the opportunity for 

dealers to be recognized for their continued customer 

support and encourages them to go the extra mile in 

providing the highest level of product knowledge and 

advanced irrigation expertise. 

AROUND TOWN is an important element to the local business coverage 

of Valparaiso Magazine. Submissions are permitted by chamber member 

businesses only. Articles are business announcements - i.e. awards, new additions 

to staff or promotion of title, and change of business location. Sales promotions, 

advertisements, or coupon ads may not be accepted. Submissions must be 

130 words or less, are subject to approval, and may be edited. 

Send to info@valpochamber.org 

Dawn Collins of Century 21 Executive Realty is pleased 

to announce the launch of her new company name: 

Dawn Collins | Executive Realty. 

Along with this change, a newly redesigned company 

logo has been revealed and a new website is planned 

to launch in July 2020. 

This rebranding strategy reflects both the evolution of 

the company as well as its vision for the future. “As part 

of our mission to always move ahead, it was appropriate 

to rebrand the company to more specifically reflect our 

expertise in bringing home buyers and sellers together 

throughout the Northwest Indiana area,” said Collins. At 

Dawn Collins | Executive Realty, we not only find homes 

for people, we also help find homes for pets through our 

Furrever Home Friday Facebook Campaign featuring our 

feline pal, Buddy Collins. We support our local shelters 

and help them get more exposure for their adoptable 

pets by posting photos and information to get as many 

pets as we can into loving Furrever Homes. You can help 

too by following us @DCExecutiveRealty on Facebook 

and liking and sharing our posts. 

More Around Town page 32 >> 


VV 

VALE VIEW 

MODERN APARTMENT HOMES FEATURING UPSCALE AMENITIES 

Typical Vale View Unit Plan 

UNITS AVAILABLE NOW • STARTING AT $ 2300 * 

260 S. FRANKLIN • VALPARAISO 

2 Bed/2 Bath with Den 

Built-In Gas Grill on each patio 

Washer and Dryer 

in each unit 

Water is included 

Private Elevator 

Private Fitness Facility 

Hi-Speed Fiber 

Internet included 

Private Underground 

Parking 

* with 2 year lease 

Solar-Powered 

EV Charging for each 

resident parking space 

Trash Chute 

Dog Friendly 

FLUID Coffeebar 

PROUDLY MANAGED BY 

PHONE: 219.232.8785 

WEB: WeValpo.com 

EMAIL: WeManageValpo@gmail.com 

ValpoChamber.org 31

AROUND 

>> Continued from page 30 

RunSignup announces this year’s 

Alan Jones Timer Award winner, 

Todd Henderlong, with Extra 

Mile Fitness and T&H Timing 

located in Valparaiso. RunSignup’s 

annual timer award recognizes an 

individual race timer who has shown 

exceptional efforts and has had a 

significant impact on the endurance race industry. Todd, who is 

highly immersed in the industry on multiple fronts, is known for 

his entrepreneurship and dedication to the endurance industry 

represented in his more than 20 years of accomplishments that 

now includes timing and managing more than 200 events per 

year. Most recently, Todd made great strides for the industry by 

being one of the first timers in the country to produce a socially 

safe and government approved on-site running event during the 

Covid-19 pandemic. His steadfast tenacity and ingenuity are an 

inspiration for the endurance community. 

First Merchants Corporation 

announced Dale S. Clapp as its new 

region president for the Lakeshore 

market. Clapp will oversee all market 

operations and build upon the company’s 

continued growth and success in one 

of the Midwest’s fastest-growing areas. 

With 35 years of banking experience, 

Clapp most recently served as Senior 

Vice President and Regional Chief Sales 

Officer for the Lakeshore Region. He 

assumed the role after First Merchants 

merged with Citizens Bank in 2013. Clapp 

succeeds Daryl Pomranke, former Lakeshore Region President. 

Pomranke will focus on business development efforts in LaPorte 

County. “Dale’s background and experience, combined with his 

ability to establish a vision, set priorities and execute, will drive 

the best results for customers, communities and employees 

in the Lakeshore Region,” said First Merchants Executive Vice 

President and Chief Banking Officer Mike Stewart. 

Donna Flanagin, owner of 

Flanagin’s Bulk Mail Service 

is excited to announce that she was 

accepted into a Mastermind Class 

presented by Dan Cockerell, former Vice 

President of Disney’s Magic Kingdom, 

Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Dan has 

over 25 years of experience working for 

the Walt Disney Company and retired 

in 2018 to start his own consulting and 

speaking business. 

Hightower Great 

Lakes moved downtown 

to 15 N. Franklin Street! 

Come visit us when we are 

free to be out and about 

in the great restaurants, 

establishments, and parks 

in beautiful Valparaiso! 

We are so excited to be here, and we look forward to sharing 

our joy with you! 

Please look for the future announcement of our ribbon cutting 

and open house! Everyone will be welcome to attend! In the 

meantime, please stay safe, healthy, and connected. 


Advisors you want. Advocates you need. 

156 Washington St, Valparaiso, IN 

www.bcclegal.com p. (219) 531-0134 

Congratulations 

Calvary Church, CSI, and 

Valparaiso City Hall 

Thank you to all the winners for their 

commitment to our community! 

Valparaiso | Chicago 

219.476.1400 | shive-hattery.com 

ValpoChamber.org 33

A LOOK BACK 

History of 

Calkins’ Hill 

By Asa Kerr 

The property at 303 East Jefferson Street is one that 

is steeped in local historical lore. Now awaiting a 

residential rebirth, the crumbling ruins of a grand 

home are the once-perfect posterchild of a residence 

that successfully transitioned into a beloved 

commercial entity. 

>> 

You may remember the site as The White House 

Restaurant, but the history of this residence-turnedrestaurant 

is far more detailed and interesting. 

William T. Calkins built a stately 21-room home after the 

close of the American Civil War. Elevated on a sprawling 

East Jefferson Street lawn, this stately property was 

known to Valparaiso locals as Calkins’ Hill. 

Calkins was a Valparaiso merchant and inventor who 

made a living operating the Chicago Cheap Dry Goods 

Store on Main Street with his brother, but gained 

sizeable wealth through the manufacturing and sale 

of the 1871 patented Calkins’ Champion Washer. This 

washing machine – the first to feature a hand-operated 

agitator – was billed as, “The Great Achievement of the 

19th Century.” 

If you need to get across the City, to Chicago, or to the South Shore 

Train Station, Valpo Transit has a bus to get you there! Valpo Transit offers 

features like bus tracking and mobile ticketing to make your trip affordable, 

Valpotransit.com for routes and schedules. 

for you! The South Shore Connect has six bus departures to Dunes Park Train Station 

every day, allowing you to travel to Chicago or South Bend with ease. 

Free Parking is located in Valparaiso at 260 Brown St. 

Make your commute stress free! Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. 

Chicago. With airplane -style seating, the Dash buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi, 

Service throughout the City of Valparaiso. The V-line can take 

you to the City's top destinations! Whether it be just down the 

street, across the city, or downtown for an event, the V-Line will get you there! 


A LOOK BACK 

In September, 1880, Henry Baker Brown, a professor and 

president of Northern Indiana Normal School (now Valparaiso 

University), purchased the home from William Calkins for $4,000 

(approximately $107,400 in 2020 dollars). 

Brown entertained hundreds of dignitaries and guests 

throughout the years, including William Jennings Bryan, 

President Howard Taft, Vice President Thomas Marshall 

and President Eamon DeValera of the Irish Republic, just 

to name a few. 

After Brown’s death in 1917, the home languished and became 

the center of a legal battle that pitted brothers Bruce and Henry 

Kinsey Brown against their sister Ruth and mother Neva in 1934. 

It was this same year that saw the home leased to the Sigma 

Delta Kappa fraternity of Valparaiso University. By 1939, the 

ownership issue was resolved. Neva and Ruth subdivided the 

surrounding property into six lots and had the upper floor of 

the home remodeled into spacious several three and 

four-room apartments. 

By 1944, the house was purchased by the Pappas family, who 

used the house as a private home until 1978. “The place was just 

too big for the four of us, and the taxes and insurance costs were 

too much for us,” Harry Pappas said of himself, his sister, Kathryn, 

his brother John and his wife, Mary. 

At that time, the residence was converted to the White House 

Restaurant at a cost of over $200,000, with the purpose of 

maintaining a home-like atmosphere. “Dining at The White 

House is similar to dining at home. There is an informal 

atmosphere created by the individual rooms,” owner John 

Pappas said in a 1978 news article from The Vidette-Messenger. 

The heavy dark oak walls of the home were a backdrop for 

antique furnishings and accessories. The only major changes 

were the installation of a bar in the basement and a new 

kitchen addition to the north. Diners were first welcomed to the 

restaurant on July 6, 1978. 

After 15 successful years of operation by the Pappas family, 

the restaurant closed in late May 1995. A January 1998 fire and 

water damage all but sealed the fate of the storied structure. 

Several other entities attempted to make use of the space over 

the years, but the empty shell of a once-grand place now awaits 

the wrecking ball and a return to residential life. No demolition 

crew in the world can undo the history that has been imprinted 

on the land north of Jefferson Street, south of Chicago Street, 

east of Morgan Boulevard, and West of Valparaiso Street. 

NITCO Fiber – 

Great for Business! 

With NITCO’s 99.999% guaranteed uptime, 

NITCO Fiber is your business’s most reliable 

option. NITCO Fiber Internet, Voice, & TV 

services are ideal for every business, from 

home-based offices to large corporations. 

Learn more at nitco.com/Valpo 

Now servicing customers over ValpoNet! 

Meet Heather Dull, 

your Valparaiso NITCO 

representative. Talk to her 

about Fiber today. 

hdull@nitco.com 

219-996-0286 

ValpoChamber.org 35


BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT >> 

> BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 

Play the moment. 

Sing the moment. 

Music Instruction 

& Sheet Music 

Piano, Voice, Guitar, Percussion, Violin & more 

219.462.4573 | gratzopus118.com 

2701 Beech Street, Valparaiso 

Erin Valdivia 

219-464-3493 

EValdivia@ShelterInsurance.com 

403 Lincolnway | Valparaiso 

NEW LOCATION 

Your Downtown Valpo ExpErts 

(219) 406-4048 

Melissa@MelissaOsika.com 

Helping Valpo Businesses 

Find Their Voice + Reach 

Their Customers 

219)728-4188 jcmainc.com hello@jcmainc.com 

FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS 

Stationery & Business Cards 

Tickets • Invitations • Flyers & More 

Blueprints • Photocopies 

Layout Design • Binding 

Lamination • UPS & Fax Service 

306 E. Lincolnway, Ste. A 

Valparaiso | 219.462.1108 

diane@mrcopyrite.com 

www.mrcopyrite.com 

Confidential crisis chat at 

VeteransCrisisLine.net 

or text to 838255 

SPOTLIGHT YOUR BUSINESS 

with a 2”x2” ad. Reach 18,000+ Readers Quarterly! 

219-464-9871 

www.mybulkmail.com 

Not just different. Better 

Valparaiso, Merrillville, Highland 

and LaPorte Locations Available 

(219)246-2240 

www.libtitle.com 

Email: Cynthia.Reed@libtitle.com 

NITCO Fiber– 

Great for business! 

Our 99.999% guaranteed 

uptime makes our Fiber 

ideal. Now servicing 

customers over ValpoNet! 

219-996-0286 | nitco.com/valpo 

Dedicated & Focused in “Keeping it Legal” 

Vitello law Firm 

• Business & Corporate Law • Real Estate Law 

• Estate Planning & Probate 

Susan Vitello 

Attorney, Advisor and Consultant 

Licensed in Illinois & Indiana 

219-476-7755 | Susan@vitellolaw.com 

Call Danielle Oeding, at the Valpo Chamber 

(219) 462-1105 | danielle@valpochamber.org 

ValpoChamber.org 37

TALKING TOURISM 

TOURISM 

>> TALKING 

Summertime 

Outdoor Adventures 

Head Beyond the Beaches this Summer 

After another long midwest winter, many 

of us are ready to spend some time 

outdoors. Indiana Dunes area residents 

are incredibly lucky to have so many 

outdoor recreational opportunities 

nearby, not only in the national and state 

parks, but throughout Porter County as 

well. While the beach is often the first 

place residents head once the days get 

longer and the temperature rises, this 

year might be a good time to explore 

some of the lesser known outdoor places. 

Outdoor Adventures in the 

Indiana Dunes 

The Indiana Dunes National and State 

Parks have plenty of room to spend 

time outdoors and not come across 

another soul. 

Beyond the Indiana Dunes National 

Park’s 15 miles of shoreline, the park is 

over 15,000 acres in size with 50 miles 

of hiking trails, 37 miles of multi-use 

biking trails, and nearly seven miles 

of equestrian trails. Every trail is a new 

adventure through prairies, dunes, 

savannas, woodlands, creeks, pannes, 

marshes, bogs, and fens, each with its 

own unique landscape and wildlife. 

The Indiana Dunes State Park also 

has its share of trails to explore—16 

miles of them to be exact! The 3 Dune 

Challenge is a favorite hiking spot with 

its breathtaking views and 552 vertical 

feet to climb, but consider also venturing 

out on the other trails where you’ll 

experience unique landscapes like the 

“tree graveyard” in the Big Blowout or 

delicate spring wildflowers on one of the 

many quiet trails. 

Outdoor Adventures in Valparaiso 

Outside of the national and state parks, 

Porter County has a wide variety of 

places to get outdoors and hike, bike, 

paddle, and play. 

Here are a few unique local spots, which 

have plenty of room to enjoy and still 

practice safe social distancing: 

• Creekside Trails, a new mountain 

biking trail in Valparaiso with over five 

miles of multi-use trails suitable for 

mountain biking, hiking, and walking. 

The obstacles for mountain bikes range 

from easy to very difficult, which makes 

this a perfect adventure for kids and 

adults of every skill level. 

By Michelle Senderhauf 

Communications Director 

Indiana Dunes Tourism 

Don’t forget to share your Indiana 

Dunes adventures with us on 

social media! Tag @indianadunes 

with #beachesandbeyond, and 

we’ll feature you on our website. 

We might even include you in one 

of our printed publications! 

• Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest 

offers more than 300 acres of formal 

gardens, wetlands, woodlands, and 

prairies. It’s a great place to wander, 

relax, and be inspired by nature’s beauty. 

• Rogers-Lakewood Park offers trails, 

rolling terrain, and lakes for fishing, 

paddling, and wildlife viewing, as well 

as 24 holes of championship caliber 

disc golf. 

• Meadowbrook Nature Preserve, a 

Shirley-Heinz property and former girl 

scout camp, has four miles of trails, 

which meander through woodlands, 

fields, wetlands, and streams. The gently 

rolling terrain makes for a perfect stroll 

to enjoy wildflowers or to do 

some bird watching. 

Need More Ideas? 

If you’re looking for more inspiration, download our Outdoor Adventures Guide, which 

showcases a variety of outdoor activities the Indiana Dunes area has to offer, including 

great places for bicycling, birding, fishing, hiking, paddling, and even wandering. 

There’s far more to discover when you head beyond the beaches of the Indiana Dunes! 


We are now here 

in Valparaiso! 

Contact us today. 

Michael P Elliott 

Branch Manager 

O: (219) 227-3581 

C: (708) 218-1881 

michael.elliott@rate.com 

Rate.com/MichaelPElliott 

125 North Main St 

Crown Point, IN 46307 

Randall Travis 

VP of Mortgage Lending 

O: (219) 293-4032 

C: (219) 477-9278 

randy.travis@rate.com 

Rate.com/RandyTravis 

701 Lincolnway, Suite 3 

Valparaiso, IN 46383 

Sean Sinclair 

VP of Mortgage Lending 

O: (219) 225-9132 

C: (219) 405-0133 

sean.sinclair@rate.com 

Rate.com/SeanSinclair 

701 Lincolnway, Suite 3 

Valparaiso, IN 46383 

Michael P. Elliott NMLS ID:638056; IL - 031.0058951, IN - 33934 | Randy Travis NMLS ID:263572; IL - 031.0013228 - MB.0005932, IN - 11686 - 11060 | Sean Sinclair NMLS ID:232380; IL - TAO, IN - 44061 

NMLS ID #2611 (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) • IL - Residential Mortgage Licensee - IDFPR, 122 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 1900, Chicago, Illinois, 60603, 

312-793-3000, 3940 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 #MB.0005932 • IN - Lic #11060 & #10332 

ValpoChamber.org 39

A Different Kind of House Call. 

Telehealth visits available. 

Quality care doesn’t always require 

a trip to the doctor’s office. 

With telehealth, many doctor's visits can be managed on 

your smartphone, tablet or computer. You can talk with 

your provider just like you would in the office – but from 

the comfort of your home. And, if an in-person visit is 

recommended, be assured we are taking special precautions 

to keep our offices clean and safe for every patient. 

Whether in person or on screen, we’ll be glad to see you! 

Call 844-774-3627 or visit PorterPhysicianGroup.com 

to find out how to connect with a provider. 

Many insurance plans cover telehealth. Check your plan coverage or ask when you make an appointment. If you have an emergency, don’t delay. Call 911 or go to the ER.

2020_Summer_VMag_forweb

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