2023 Summer Valparaiso Magazine

FINAL THOUGHT
THOUGHT
>> FINALA KEY
TO DOWNTOWN VALPARAISO'S
One of the major compliments I hear from
guests and visitors of Valparaiso is that
they marvel at the ambiance of our downtown.
We have lots of reasons for
its viability and strength. However one of
the basic core reasons was the decision
nearly 20 years ago to go after 10 liquor
permits that would be owned by the city
and used as an incentive to attract restaurants
to the downtown which would
attract activity and focus for people to
visit the downtown.
No question about it, other important
actions were taken such as rebuilding
the curbs and gutters and replacing the
sidewalks with new ones. Infrastructure
investment was an important element.
Then came the new Central Park and
the Band Shell and Stage, then the iceskating
park and pavilion. All of these
have greatly contributed to Valparaiso's
downtown appeal. However, the restaurants
that were attracted by the liquor
permits really have brought continuous
growing interest in attracting folks to visit
the downtown on a regular basis.
Within the last five years, desire to live
downtown and enjoy the various amenities
and restaurants has grown tremendously.
Apartments and town houses
have been built and more are planned.
Folks want to live downtown. People of
all ages from all walks of life want to be
downtown to enjoy the close benefits of
walking to activities. A new hotel is even
being planned two blocks off Lincolnway.
By Rex G. Richards, CCE
President, Valpo Chamber
This past legislative session the city
went after five more liquor permits and
thanks to our legislators from Valpo, we
got them. The city will use them in the
same fashion, keeping the ownership
for a small one-time fee. The permits are
owned by the city and if the restaurant
goes out of business or wants to move out
of the central business district the permit
is returned to the city for distribution to
someone else. There is a procedure for
obtaining the permits.
Our city is seen as a model for other cities
desiring to replicate what Valparaiso has
done with liquor permits to attract dining
in their downtown. One might wonder
what the incentive of a liquor permit is
owned by the city. If a liquor permit becomes
available on the open market it has
been sold recently for nearly $300,000
dollars. This is one of the most expensive
elements if a restaurant opens and wants
to have a liquor permit. Obtaining one
from the city for a one-time small fee is a
tremendous incentive economically.
Our downtown is truly the center point of
attraction to our town.
38 SUMMER 2023 |