Valparaiso, Indiana has long been a hub for business and community growth, and the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation (VEDC) continues to pave the way for local companies to thrive.
One such success story is the Bluejay II project, owned and operated by Indiana Beverage and designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses in the area.
“Bluejay II is a new 115,000 square foot multi-tenant building,” said Jeff Leetz, owner of Indiana Beverage. “The space is very flexible, so we can build it out to accommodate any business’s needs.”
Bluejay II is more than just a building; it’s part of a larger vision to foster business expansion while making Valparaiso a prime destination to live, work, and grow.
“This project is part of our long-term strategy to provide adaptable spaces for small and medium-sized businesses in the Region,” Leetz said. “Valparaiso is an ideal location for businesses given its proximity to major highways and the greater Chicago area.”
As a part of the Valparaiso community since 1890, family-owned Indiana Beverage’s Bluejay buildings reflect its dedication to investing in the future of Valparaiso.
“We've got a great history here,” said Leetz. “Valparaiso has been a great city for us to not only work, live, and play in but also for us to invest in.”
Indiana Beverage’s first venture into multi-tenant commercial properties, Bluejay I, was completed in 2019. It currently houses several thriving businesses and has quickly become a model for what is possible in the local commercial real estate market.
“Bluejay I was completed in 2019 and is 65,000 square feet,” said Leetz. “Currently, it has five businesses operating out of it.”
The Bluejay II building is set to open in December 2024.
“When we built our current Indiana Beverage warehouse in 2011, we situated the building on our property to allow for growth and future development,” said Leetz. “We saw a real need in our area for multi-tenant building space and knew we had the perfect location.”
Bluejay I and II are prime examples of the VEDC’s greater mission to promote and support economic opportunities in the Valparaiso area.
“Our family has been rooted here for a long time, but Valparaiso is popping,” said Leetz. “There's a lot of cool things happening in our community, and it's only getting better.”
Leetz noted the ever-growing dining and entertainment options as a huge incentive to local businesses.
“Valparaiso holds so many great events, and there's a growing housing market as well,” said Leetz. “Valparaiso is really the jewel of Northwest Indiana.”
Valparaiso’s efforts to balance economic development with quality of life are evident in projects like Bluejay II. With the support of the VEDC, developments such as this continue to enhance the city’s reputation as a place where businesses can thrive while residents enjoy a vibrant community.
“Through our ability to work with the city and the town council, the VEDC brings these investments to fruition with many hours of behind-the-scenes work to educate, advise, and inform all stakeholders as well as community members on why the projects make sense,” said Dale Clapp, VEDC board chair.
It is long-term investments and partnerships like those of the VEDC and Indiana Beverage that make Valparaiso a perfect place to live and work.
“When we work together appropriately, it creates a really solid relationship that we know helps people and businesses to build and expand facilities, add equipment, and commit to our city and our community for years to come,” said Clapp.
The completion of the Bluejay II building will mark another milestone in Valparaiso’s journey toward becoming a leading regional business hub.
To learn more about Indiana Beverage, please visit indianabev.com.
To learn more about the VEDC and its partners, please visit valpoedc.com.
