Tryon Farm is a historic patch of land featuring dunes, creeks, ponds, open meadows, and miles of trails dotted with modern homes that are designed to blend into the landscape, preserving the surrounding nature as much as possible. There are few living communities like it, and maintaining it presents a unique challenge. For more than 15 years, the Tryon Farm Homeowners Association has entrusted the care of its special environment to 1st American Management Company, the largest locally-owned management firm in Northwest Indiana.

“I was blown away by just the drive to my current residence within Tryon,” said Jason Caref, a board member and 10-year city resident. “We are so close to Chicago that we can come out for a day or week at a time. It’s an escape from city living for a little while, where my family and I can take in nature and light up our fireplace or our outdoor fire pit. We can take a walk through Tryon with a glass or two of wine and enjoy the smell of nature that we can’t get anywhere else.”

The community is composed of both full-time residents and part-time owners who use their homes as a getaway. The farm itself has existed since the 19th century, but development of the modern homes began in the 1990s under the leadership of architect Edward J. Noonan, whose vision was to integrate the structures with the land.

“Nature is literally at your doorstep,” said Dave Murray, a board member and 15-year resident. “That emphasis on sustainability and a strong sense of community is what drew us into buying a home here at Tryon.”

Tryon Farm is built on the philosophy of maintaining its natural appeal, which makes managing it a unique challenge compared to a typical subdivision. The property blends together large, open acreage of various biomes with private infrastructure such as its constructed wastewater wetlands.

“It’s not a typical or easy place to manage,” Caref said. “Many firms wouldn’t know how to handle all of its challenges.”

For more than a decade, Tryon Farm’s homeowners have trusted 1^st American Management Company to handle these challenges, with property managers staying closely attuned to the community’s needs.

“Having a trusting relationship with a management partner allows them to develop that deep expertise which is so important,” Murray said. “It’s also important that they know what to look for in subcontractors to manage specialized maintenance projects.”

When Tryon Farm’s unique septic system began having issues, Ed Gomez, Property Manager, quickly stepped in to find the right team to handle the repairs. Because the system is custom-built for the community, it required a contractor with specialized experience.

“Everything at Tryon Farm is unique, so a big part of the job is finding the right people,” Gomez said. “I was able to bring in a qualified team to get everything fixed, and now the system is running smoothly again.”

Thanks to 1^st American Management Company’s long-term relationship with Tryon Farm, the issue was resolved quickly and with minimal impact on residents, keeping the community running as seamlessly as ever.

Another aspect of the job is knowing when not to “fix” something. Tryon Farm’s many hiking trails or open spaces might occasionally see a branch fall or stone roll — but the right move is not always to clean it up.

Sometimes a branch will fall, and your first instinct is to clear it away. But the residents often want to leave it there. It’s not that they want it to look messy; it’s that it adds to the natural look of the place.

Caref explained that the partnership with 1st American Management Company is a key part of how Tryon Farm’s natural aesthetic and unique day-to-day lifestyle is possible.

“1st American Management Company has done a very good job over the years to maintain all sorts of relationships with non-traditional contractors and companies as well as handy people,” he said. “Along with volunteers who reside at Tryon, they keep the well-maintained landscape and beauty of Tryon Farm intact.”

For more information about Tryon Farm, visit tryonfarm.com. To learn more about 1st American Management Company, go to 1stpropertymanagers.com.

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“In construction, we only get paid when we work,” said Jim Clarida, business manager at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 531 (IBEW Local 531). “Having large-scale projects like Yellowstone allows our members to go out for a significant amount of time. Long-term projects give our members the financial security of a consistent paycheck, as well as healthcare and future retirement.” 

According to an economic impact study by Mangum Economics, submitted with the project’s county permit application, construction of the Yellowstone Solar Project will generate about $6.1 million in wages and $31.3 million in total economic output. The project’s construction provides steady work for union members throughout the build. Once complete and in operation, the project will sustain several permanent jobs, including at least two local positions, while ongoing spending will circulate through the community.  

“Each job is an opportunity for members to grow their skills and understand job duties,” said Corey Campbell, president and business manager at Laborers International Union of North American (LIUNA Local 81). “The more solar farms, the better equipped and prepared they will be for the future.”  

The project is anticipated to create a surge in specialized local union workforce, which will include electricians from IBEW Local 531 for on-site, specialized solar installation and wiring. In addition, LIUNA Local 81 expects to maintain a substantial workforce of laborers throughout the construction period. By placing priority on local workers, Yellowstone ensures the project will have a large local impact. 

“The local workers live, shop, buy homes and pay taxes here,” Clarida said. “All of the money they earn circulates locally and supports small businesses, strengthens the economy and keeps tax dollars in the community. That is why we always make sure our local people are working first before we recruit outside help.” 

With its $181 million in capital investment, the Yellowstone Solar Project is expected to contribute approximately $24.5 million in local taxes over 35 years, including tax revenue from land reassessment and capital investments. These taxes are paid by the project and not by local landowners. This revolutionary shift marks a substantial increase from the property’s current agricultural use, which generates just $11,400 annually. Once operational, the project will generate an average of $700,000 in new annual tax revenue for local schools, libraries, and infrastructure while reinvesting earnings back into the community. 

“With a project like this, our members know that their work is helping to reassure financial stability for local schools and libraries, especially when other funding sources are being reduced,” Clarida said. 

“Every solar project is an opportunity for our members to build their skills and to be prepared for the changing energy landscape,” Campbell said. “With a project of this size, we can employ more members and expand our apprenticeship programs, ensuring the next generation of electricians is trained and ready with no cost to them or to taxpayers.” 

Indiana currently ranks fourth nationally for proposed utility-scale solar capacity, with over 5,500 MW projects waiting to connect to the power grid, which is enough to power over 700,000 homes. Projects like Yellowstone anchor the state for continued expansion for needed energy to support long-term growth and increases tax revenue, job opportunities, and environmental progress. 

For more information on Hoosier Solar, you can visit hoosiersolar.com. 

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Region-based Moynihan Capital will convert the historic structure into 28 residential units, offering a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments and at least 2 commercial tenants on the ground floor, one being a lively restaurant space. The 4M project will preserve the character of the original building while also introducing contemporary amenities designed to meet the needs of today’s residents.

“This development supports the long-term vision of our downtown revitalization with density and new amenities,” said Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr.  “Keeping the momentum going in our downtown is key to its ongoing vitality.”

“The former LaSalle building in downtown Hammond is a very unique building and I am pleased the City waited for right developers,” said Anne Taylor, Executive Director of Planning and Development. “The Moynihan family has been circling this building for years and the time was finally right to make the connection. This is a real win for our downtown.”

Dennis Moynihan, Partner, loves working in Hammond. “It’s such a great place to do business for so many reasons,” he said. “We’re looking forward to being part of revitalizing the downtown and providing new, quality rental housing and retail options with the renovation of former Hotel LaSalle.”

The Moynihan Capital team anticipates completing the project in less than 18 months from start to finish, enabling the property to quickly transition from vacancy to a productive community asset. The Moynihan family, traces its roots back to the Robertsdale neighborhood of Hammond in the 1930’s. This longstanding regional connection reflects a deep commitment to reinvesting in the local community and supporting its continued growth.

For more information, please contact:
Anne Taylor, Executive Director of Planning and Development, City of Hammond
taylora@gohammond.com

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“The more I’ve built, the more I’ve realized I’ve got to fix this and make it right,” said Dan Steiner, president of Steiner Homes. “We are the most successful custom builder in Northwest Indiana. We build up a really good name with people because we take care of them.” 

The company’s foundation sits on nearly five decades of hands-on experience. Steiner began his career 49 years ago working under his father-in-law, where he mastered every phase of construction, including masonry, framing, electrical and plumbing. Today, Steiner blends his traditional trade experience with a commitment to modern innovation to ensure every project prioritizes structural integrity and long-term durability. 

“We’re willing to try a lot of different and unique things that maybe other builders wouldn’t,” said Molly Young, head of marketing. “Every day is different. We look at the data and see if it’s working or not. If it’s not, we’ll cut it loose. If it is, we double down. It’s a lot of fun, and we end up laughing a lot when we’re doing some of our brainstorming sessions.” 

Steiner launched Steiner Homes as a multi-generational family enterprise after decades of experience in the trade. He leads the vision, his wife manages the finances and four of their children serve in key leadership roles. With more than four decades of experience, the company has secured 28 licenses and now builds across Lake, Porter and La Porte counties. Based in Valparaiso with a satellite location at Portage’s Marina Shores, Steiner Homes helps clients to visualize their homes before signing contracts using real-time design plans. 

“Once we dig, almost all the houses we are doing are six months to build now,” Steiner said. “We have a few of them that are multimillion-dollar homes. Those take a bit longer, but we still work to get all of the homes done in a timely fashion. We always put a lot of time and effort into building something that people really love.”  

Steiner Homes manages every project from initial design through final inspection using in-house designers for all custom plans. Construction typically requires six months and prioritizes technical durability through features like waterproof foundations, dual-sump pump systems and whole-home humidifiers. The team ensures lasting quality by resolving hundreds of pre-closing details to achieve a punch-list of fewer than five items and maintains this standard with long-term warranty support.

“We charge $210 per square foot for a story-and-a-half home, which remains our most popular option,” Steiner said. “We also offer a 12-year, buy-down program that utilizes a one-time close to eliminate dual closing fees. This locks in the interest rate for the year, but we honor any lower rates should they drop during that period.”

Steiner Home maintains its steady, pre-sold volume even as the economy shifts its primary demographic. High interest rates deter many Gen Z and Gen X buyers, while Baby Boomers and empty-nesters remain the most active luxury participants. These designs prioritize main-floor primary suites and functional story-and-a-half layouts to meet that demand. To remain competitive, Steiner Homes uses transparent square-footage pricing and simple financing programs.

“We do the right things for the right reasons,” Steiner said. “People know when you care. It is a better product because we care so much. Building has its pitfalls, but we rise above those and do the right thing for people.”

Steiner Homes cultivates a positive business culture that extends beyond the construction site. The company treats every project as a partnership to ensure the final home reflects the client’s vision and the builder’s high standards. By combining personal involvement with technical prowess, the family-led team continues to strengthen its reputation as a reliable pillar of the Northwest Indiana luxury housing market. 

“The cool thing is, we’ve come to the place where four of our kids work with us, and my wife is the big boss, who does all the books and everything,” Steiner said. “It is really cool working with your kids. It says to a lot of people: we’re here to stay and we care.” 

Discover more about Steiner Homes’ commitment to the Northwest Indiana housing market by visiting steinerhomesltd.com.

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Listing Courtesy of McColly Real Estate | kristintaylor6450@gmail.com

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Joe Coar of Tonn and Blank Construction expects the Grand Gardner Hotel to become a premier experience in the Region.

“I see it being a very popular attraction,” Coar said. “It couldn’t be in a better location here in Valparaiso. Everything seems to happen for a reason in Valpo. With all of the support that’s been put into this hotel, I think that it will be incredibly successful.”

This facility most recently was the home of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana’s Valparaiso Club, which has since relocated to 708 Evans Avenue in Valparaiso. This development blends the old with the new to create an experience that can’t be found elsewhere.

“To take a building that’s over 100 years old and integrate in two new additions – one made of metal and one made out of wood – the way we do it today is very unique,” Coar said. “To have an apprentice for your carpenter, laborer, or electrician on this job full-time, you’re exposed to all three of those types of construction.”

The Grand Gardner Hotel repurposes the 1899 historic Gardner School building as its central core, with the west addition serving primarily as common areas and the east addition housing guest rooms.

“One of the best features has to be the swinging staircase by far,” Coar said. “I think when you get up to the speakeasy and see what’s going on at the top with all the furniture and everything that’s put in – all the banquet facilities, conference rooms, the rooms inside the old Boys and Girls Clubs, the old school – it’s just unbelievable.”

The Grand Gardner Hotel wouldn’t be possible without local partnerships, both public and private, that have helped support this project.

“There’s no question that the City of Valparaiso, the VEDC, and everybody locally has supported this project wholeheartedly,” Coar said. “From day one, the inspection process went extremely well for us. Through the duration of the project, we’ve had no hold-ups at all, and we’re very fortunate for that.”

The Grand Gardner Hotel has provided a number of construction-related jobs and other economic activities during the building process and will continue to do so after. Between a higher-level speakeasy, a coffee bar, immaculate window views of downtown Valparaiso, six suites, and more than 50 guest rooms, each part of the hotel holds a captivating story.

Other amenities of the hotel include a rooftop breakfast area and bar, fitness center, spa services, a common area lobby, and multiple spaces that can serve as meeting rooms and event venues. On-site and on-street parking will be provided for both guests and visitors.

The element of discovery is what separates the Grand Gardner Hotel from the average experience. Coar credits all of the different departments who have transformed this space into a hot spot for people who want to visit and learn more about Valparaiso.

“It will be a very large deal for people who are coming through the Region for the first time,” Coar said. “I know that the Urschel family will bring their sales people to have their main sales meeting here at this facility, which ties them into several different foreign countries. I think you’re going to see this take off in a great way. It will be great when we get enough people to see the quality here because this quality is every bit as good, if not better, than what you see in the city of Chicago downtown.”

Between all the organizations who have helped develop this facility, it has taken a village of different departments to ensure the Grand Gardner Hotel creates an environment that offers tranquility, comfortability, nostalgia, and a luxury experience.

“This wouldn’t be what it is without the great subcontractors we have, especially Tonn and Blank as the general contractor,” Coar said. “We have the interior decorator, the architects, engineers, and so on who have helped make this possible. The old Boys and Girls Clubs building was structurally sound enough that it enabled us to do what we’ve done here.”

The name of the Grand Gardner Hotel derives from an adventurer and civic innovator of the 19th century named Joseph Gardner who, it is believed, was the namesake of the original Gardner School. Coar believes that if Gardner were still here today, he would be incredibly proud of what this project has become.

“I think he would be amazed today if he saw this,” Coar said. “He’d be overwhelmed. Thinking about something like this, maybe 25 or 30 years ago, you might sit back and say to yourself, ‘Why?’ Now that it has been done and updated in 2026 and can welcome visitors from near and far; I think it’s an amazing project.”

The Grand Gardner Hotel is expected to be mostly completed by April, and after a few more weeks of fine-tuning, the building is set to open by the middle of May.

For more information on the VEDC, you can visit https://valpoedc.com/index.php. To learn more about the City of Valparaiso, visit ci.valparaiso.in.us.

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