Tru by Hilton Valparaiso to open doors to the community bringing a fresh, smart hotel to gateway for the city
- By: Garrett Spoor & Chris Mahlmann
- Last Updated: June 5, 2026
The new Tru by Hilton Valparaiso is set to officially open its doors on June 9, marking a major milestone for continued growth and investment along the U.S. 30 corridor and the west side of Valparaiso.
Owned and developed by MJF Development, the hotel moved from shovel-ready construction to occupancy in just one year — a timeline that owner Mark Forszt said took tremendous teamwork, cooperation, and vision from numerous local partners.
“Tru by Hilton represents something smart, quick, friendly, and bright,” Forszt said. “There was a need for a fresh option for everyone, from the traveler looking for the latest spot in Valparaiso to business guests wanting a smart location with a team that delivers proper service.”

Forszt emphasized that the project could not have happened without the support and direction of several key organizations and contractors that helped bring the development to life.
“This project came together because of the efforts of so many people,” Forszt said. “From Good Hospitality to Holladay Construction to Egolf Coates Excavation, every group played an important role in getting us here.”
Tim Healy, president and CEO of Holladay Properties, described how his company’s partnership with Good Hospitality helped generate a successful outcome on the Tru by Hilton Valparaiso project.
“Holladay Construction Group has developed a strong working relationship with Good Hospitality through the successful completion of our third hotel project together,” Healy said. “The Tru by Hilton Valparaiso project progressed smoothly, consistent with our previous collaborations, and we greatly value the relationship we have established with Mark Forszt. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Good Hospitality and Mark on future projects.”
Brian Gilchrist, president at Good Hospitality, is pleased to contribute to a project like this one, as it supports what the company stands for.
“We like to say that we’re a large company with a small company feel. Within our mission statement, we treat your business as if it’s our own. Those two factors play a huge role in the fact that, when your last name is Good, you really have nothing else to be – at least good, and more often than not, exceptionally great,” Gilchrist said.
Tru by Hilton Valparaiso will feature amenities and luxuries such as a free morning breakfast, an exercise room, and a lobby gathering area. The lobby also features two foosball tables and three sound quiet working pods for those zoom calls and focus times.
“It’s both family-oriented and sports-oriented, especially because of the price point. You have the university, and I think that works well for college students and their families that are in town,” Gilchrist said. “I think its location close to Journeyman Distillery is definitely a plus as well. It relates to folks needing a place to stay for any type of event going on in the community.”

The development also benefited from strong cooperation with the City of Valparaiso, particularly surrounding infrastructure improvements in the area.
“Valparaiso realized the need for sewer expansion along Highway 30 and West Street, and this project was able to tie into that infrastructure,” Forszt said. “George Douglas – Director of Economic Development – was instrumental throughout the process.”
Forszt also pointed toward the future of the area, noting that planned beautification efforts along West Street will continue transforming the corridor into a stronger gateway connected to downtown Valparaiso.
“The planned West Street beautification will be an excellent upgrade to the area and continue the development momentum leading into downtown,” he said.
In addition to local developers and city leadership, the project also highlights the skilled trades helping fuel Northwest Indiana’s continued growth. Construction of the new hotel from the foundation through the roof was done with union labor.
Representatives connected to the project are looking forward to supporting many more local projects that help power Northwest Indiana’s growth. As the June 9 opening approaches, the new Tru by Hilton aims to bring a modern hospitality experience to Valparaiso while continuing the investment and momentum reshaping one of the city’s busiest corridors.
Learn more about the Tru by Hilton Valparaiso online or by calling 219-786-2485.