Schultz Floral plants deeper roots in Valparaiso with new location supported by Chester Inc.

For more than five decades, Schultz Floral has helped mark life’s biggest moments in Valparaiso between weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and more. Now, the longtime floral business is preparing for its next chapter with a brand-new location that will allow it to better serve customers.

Schultz Floral is currently working toward a late summer 2026 opening of its new facility at 551 Franklin St. in Valparaiso. The project, which is being constructed with the help of Chester Inc., represents both growth and a renewed commitment to the community that has supported the business for generations.

Jessica Ray, owner of Schultz Floral, believes remaining in Valparaiso was never negotiable as the company searched for a new home.

“Valparaiso isn’t just where Schultz Floral does business; it is our business,” Ray said. “For 57 years, this community has shown up for us on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, graduations, proms, weddings, and the hardest days too. This relocation isn’t us leaving anything behind; it’s us investing deeper roots into the community that has supported Schultz Floral for generations.”

Founded in 1969, Schultz Floral has become a staple in the Valparaiso community through its personalized service, locally crafted floral arrangements, and strong relationships with customers. The move to a larger facility is designed to build on that foundation while creating opportunities for future growth.

Helping bring that vision to life is Chester Inc., the Valparaiso-based commercial construction company that was founded in 1947 by Orville Redenbacher and Charles Bowman. With decades of experience throughout Northwest Indiana, Chester Inc. was selected to help guide this new project.

“Choosing Chester Inc. was one of the easiest decisions we made related to our expanded location for Schultz Floral,” Ray said. “Their reputation in Valparaiso speaks for itself. When you’re navigating designs, permits and full-scale construction in the middle of one of your busiest seasons, you need a partner who can carry that weight with confidence.”

The relationship also carries some personal significance. Ray noted that Chester Inc. previously completed a major commercial project for her father-in-law, creating a level of trust that has carried across generations.

The new location will provide several upgrades designed to improve both the customer experience and day-to-day operations. Located closer to downtown Valparaiso, the facility will offer increased visibility while maintaining convenience through private on-site parking.

Inside, customers can expect an elevated retail environment, while floral designers will benefit from an upgraded design studio that provides more room for creativity and efficiency. Schultz Floral is also doubling its walk-in cooler capacity, a significant enhancement that will help support everyday orders as well as larger events and peak holiday demand.

“Our new home is everything we’ve wanted to give our customers and our team,” Ray said. “Being closer to downtown Valparaiso puts us right in the heart of the community we love.”

The expansion will also allow Schultz Floral to broaden its services. The company plans to officially extend delivery service to Hebron and introduce seasonal floral and design offerings for local homes and businesses.

As the business grows, Ray and Schultz Floral have made it a point of emphasis to stay committed to the qualities that have helped distinguish it from competitors.

“We made a deliberate choice to stop looking like everyone else and start looking like us,” Ray said. “In 2025 we invested in exclusive, in-house designs and real floral photography on our website so that what customers see is genuinely what they get.”

The emphasis on authenticity and customer service has helped the company earn a loyal following and numerous five-star reviews while consistently selling out during major floral holidays.

As construction progresses, Ray is thankful for this partnership with Chester Inc., a company that understands Valparaiso’s history and culture as they tackle this project.

“There is something powerful about partnering with a company that doesn’t just work in your community but is woven into it,” Ray said. “Chester Inc. understands what Valparaiso expects, what it values, and what it takes to build something that lasts here. When two Valparaiso businesses come together on a project like this, the whole community wins.”

Schultz Floral is targeting a grand opening near the end of the summer and has already scheduled a customer open house on August 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the new location.

For Ray and her team, the new building represents far more than additional square footage. It marks the beginning of a new era while honoring a legacy that has flourished in Valparaiso for more than 57 years.

“The next chapter is going to be our best one yet,” Ray said. “Come see what’s blooming at 551 Franklin St. in Valparaiso.”

You can learn more about Shultz Floral, its services, and the bouquet of occasions they provide arrangements for at schultzfloralshop.com.

For additional information on Chester Inc., you can visit chesterinc.com.