As the City of Valparaiso prepares to end 2023, Mayor Matt Murphy is looking forward to the conclusion and expansion of several community developments.
“It's remarkable how many exciting projects are happening pretty much all at the same time,” Murphy said. “I can't think of anywhere else in the state that has so many impactful investments happening.”
This month, Valparaiso unveiled the American Factory–Journeyman Distillery’s newest location. In addition, ground recently broke on the Lincoln Highway Garage and the Linc apartment complex.
Valparaiso is also the future home of the Grand Gardner Hotel, a 58-room hotel in the former Boys and Girls Club Location.
For Murphy, this influx of development is no accident. It’s the result of decades of hard work and planning by city officials.
“This is the culmination of a 20-year plan to rehabilitate, reinvest, and reinvigorate our downtown,” Murphy said. “This didn't happen overnight; it’s something the city has been working on for quite some time.”
Murphy might be the leader during some of these exciting changes; however, he credits his predecessors with leading the charge on this important work.
“This didn’t come about by happenstance,” Murphy said. “It happened because people got together with the city and came up with a plan. This began with Mayor Jon Costas’ administration, and we’ve continued over the last four years. It's really starting to take off.”
Valparaiso’s consistent focus on developments and upgrades throughout downtown is a critical part of the city’s long-term plan.
“We know that people want a vibrant downtown because it's the heart and soul of the community,” Murphy said. “It’s a priority in Valparaiso. Time and time again surveys, discussions, and input sessions have indicated that the people of Valparaiso are proud of their downtown. It's a real point of community pride.”
Murphy does note that, in addition to Valparaiso’s lively restaurant scene, future plans are needed to increase the specialty retail shops available.
“I hope that, in the future, downtown Valparaiso is full of really cool retail shops,” Murphy said. “That's one area where we've struggled – trying to bring in enough foot traffic and folks with disposable income that can support a really diverse retail environment.”
Murphy hopes that long after his administration, downtown Valparaiso will continue to be a vibrant place for citizens and visitors.
“The current projects in Valparaiso are ambitious projects,” Murphy said. “I really hope that future city leadership will continue to make work like this a priority.”
Of course, Murphy and his team are proud of these large-scale developments. However, city officials see the bigger picture. In addition to creating a vibrant downtown, the City of Valparaiso has a consistent commitment to improving overall infrastructure.
“Part of our commitment to neighborhoods and infrastructure is to ensure consistent and proactive maintenance to Valparaiso sidewalks, streets, crosswalks, crack sealing,” Murphy said. “We always make that a priority.”
Murphy and the City of Valparaiso look forward to seeing all that these exciting projects will bring to Valparaiso today and in the future.
“What’s happening today in Valparaiso will truly affect all generations,” Murphy said. “That's one of the neat things about them.”
To learn more about the City of Valparaiso, please visit ci.valparaiso.in.us.
