Who would have thought that it was the shared love for rescuing dogs that would ultimately lead to the latest project in downtown Valparaiso, St. Paul Square. This all-new, luxury condominium community was started when Jeanne Sommer, owner of CENTURY 21 Alliance, called her friend Mark Forszt, a local entrepreneur in Valparaiso, when she realized the opportunity that lied ahead.
Sommer first built a relationship with Forszt years before through their love of dogs and his support of Lakeshore PAWS, an organization that Sommer co-founded. Once it was discovered that St. Paul Catholic School wanted to sell their property, Sommer presented the idea to Forszt. She knew the deep history that St. Paul has within Valparaiso and wanted to make sure their spot on the corner of Campbell and Chicago would continue to be a first-class location in the community. Forszt, who was convinced and saw what the property could become, immediately bought the land and partnered with Bob Coolman of Coolman Communities to bring the idea into reality.
Located just blocks from the heart of downtown Valparaiso, St. Paul Square is designed for active living and accessibility. The community appeals to rising young executives, retirees, empty-nesters, and single individuals who desire a location close to a vibrant downtown atmosphere.
The property consists of four different buildings with 12 units per building. Residents can purchase a two-bedroom, two-bath unit with a 1-car garage starting at $299,999.
Barbara Bennett, resident of St. Paul Square, loves the proximity to downtown Valparaiso.
“I like the overall look, and my husband and I like how convenient it is to walk downtown,” Bennett said. “We go walking every day, and that’s wonderful. It’s close to family, which is nice, too. We love the size of our unit. We purchased a two-bedroom, two-bath unit, and we’re very comfortable here. We had a big house in California, but this is perfect.”
Not only is the condominium community within walking distance of downtown Valparaiso’s many stores and restaurants, but it also offers easy access to V-Line bus stops. The exterior of the buildings feature brick masonry, with a sunken garden area, providing colorful flowers and a quiet space for residents to enjoy. St. Paul Square looks to provide residents with simpler living for those who are tired of keeping up with mowing, weeding, shoveling, and other exterior home maintenance.
Cable, T.V., internet, water, and trash are all included in your HDA dues while living at St. Paul Square. The condominiums come with new, stainless-steel appliances and your choice of stained or painted cabinets. All condos are smart-home compatible for those who want to enjoy a fully-connected home.
Coolman Communities is currently in the process of finishing the second building and beginning the third and fourth buildings. Residents can move in the second building within the next 60 days. All four buildings in St. Paul Square will be available by summer of 2021.
After having lived in her condo since 2019, Bennett can attest to the quality of the St. Paul Square units, as well as her quality experience with Coolman Communities and Century 21 Alliance.
“Coolman is a reputable builder, and my son works for Century 21 Alliance. Everyone has been delightful to work with. It has been a very painless process.”
Once all four buildings have been completed, St. Paul Square will generate around $200,000 per year for the City of Valparaiso. Forszt understands how much the City worked with the developers to create a unique opportunity to invest in downtown development.
“I appreciate the relationship with the City of Valparaiso and their willingness to work with me,” Forszt said. “St. Paul Square will benefit the residents, the city, and the community for years to come.”
It is exciting to see the friendship between Sommer and Forszt be used to build such a great residence in the Valparaiso community. The impact of their friendship extends beyond building first-class condominiums, though. In the 10 years since Sommer and Forszt have met, Lakeshore PAWs have adopted over 5400 dogs.
Check out the floor plans and unique amenities at St. Paul Square by visiting Century 21 Alliance’s site here. You can contact Michelle Renninger from Century 21 Alliance at 219-406-2143 or michelle@21alliance.com to be among the first to enjoy this unique, downtown living opportunity.