According to recent articles, AVRO, a subsidiary of VU, intends to expand the Strongbow Inn property to house College Campus Programs, specifically building a College of Nursing and Health Profession facility. VU Has had over 95 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs in the fields of health professions. The Faith-based University consisting of high quality athletics, music, and an inundation of visitors, is working with experienced developer (AVRO) to embellish economic development with state and local governments for this recent expansion.
VU already has property closeby with their baseball fields, named Linwood Acres, also known as Eastgate which is comprised of 71 acres, just east of Sturdy Road and north of Highway 30 and south of LaPorte Ave.
Strongbow Inn, a third generation family-owned restaurant, closed in 2015 and has operated since 1940. Over the years the restaurant developed a reputation for Thanksgiving dinners and turkey pies, which developed in to their Thanksgiving all year round menu. Strongbow was named for the Pottawattamie Indiana Chief who lived on the land in the 1800’s. In 1940, turkeys were raised across the street and became the source for the meals at the restaurant. Russ and Nancy Adams purchased the business in 1993 and sold it to Luke Co. in 2013. Since then, the property never came to fruition as a restaurant.
AVRO is a subsidiary of Valparaiso University, and a real estate holding company focused on property development in Valparaiso, Porter County and Chicago. AVRO focuses on maximizing value to it’s owners and development partners.
VU President, Jose D. Padilla, sees AVRO as an “essential part of the Valparaiso University’s strategy to consider our physical footprint in an innovation way and unlock the incredible value of our real estate portfolio.”
The project called “Vitalize Valpo,” aims to transform Valparaiso for generations to come, located in robust growth areas, and have a significant economic impact of the city of Valparaiso, Porter County and the Chicago Metropolitan Area.
More Valparaiso Related Articles . . .
Fall Performances at Valparaiso University – 2026
Valparaiso Universityโs passion for the arts by attending a fall concert or theater performance. Ring in the new school year with our homecoming events, join us for October fun with the annual Halloween Spooktacular, or enjoy the many offerings of our dedicated student-performers throughout the semester. Performances are free unless otherwise noted.โฆ
The Hub NWI Receives an Artโs Kiln from Porter County Community Foundation
The HUB NWI, a community makerspace housed in a restored former church in Hebron, has received a $7,500 grant from the Porter County Community Foundation to fund its Community Kiln Arts Initiative. The award allows The HUB NWI to bring a new Janus Ovation dual use kiln online, opening hands-on ceramics, glass fusing,โฆ
Las Mamacitas To Provide Catering During the Holidays in Northwest Indiana
Las Mamacitas Food Truck is always on the move! We specialize in providing the most delicious and authentic homemade, award winning, Mexican food in the Porter County Area. Las Mamacitas services Porter and Lake Counties as well as Laporte and Michigan City, Chicago and Michigan. Their food truck, affectionately named โEsmeralda,โโฆ
Valparaiso Painters Excel as Finishers with Strong Family Values
The Finishers of Valpo is a trusted and established painting company proudly serving Northwest Indiana for over 10 years. With a decade of experience under their belt, they have built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality interior and exterior painting services, cabinet refinishing, drywall repair, and more. Their work stands out for its attention toโฆ
How Much will it cost Per Person for Your Outdoor BBQ this July 4th? 2025
According to Indiana Farm Bureau the average price of $7.15 per person.is what your cookout will cost to feed your family and friends this July 4th. The total outdoor meal price of $71.49 includes ground beef, cheese, hamburger buns, pork chops, chicken breasts, pork and beans, potato salad, strawberries, chips,โฆ
Affordable Housing To Start After VU Sells Land to Project Neighbors
The land, located on Locust Street, were offered at a steeply reduced price of $120,000, by Valparaiso University to Project Neighbors, an organization that creates affordable housing options by building and renovating local properties. This transaction gives Project Neighbors a powerful opportunity to fulfill their mission for more of the Valparaiso community. โOurโฆ
Costaโs New Restaurant โ Birdieโs Diner โ
Now Open
All Dish Restaurant fans have been waiting to learn more about this special addition to downtown, so getting this tour was extra special. 
Hereโs a little overview from Evan Costas:
โThe famously former โTonyโs Pizzaโ building is being transformed into a new and exciting downtown dining destination that will serve delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. This expansive space at 218 Lincolnway will house two sister restaurants: Birdieโs Diner and Next Door at Birdies. Continue Reading . .
Memorial Opera House Opens Back UP!
The Memorial Opera House renovation has been undergoing an amazing transformation with the first production opening up next week. Using $5 million in Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money for the renovations, the first phase of the project included repairing the roof, tuckpointing brickwork and fixing the weathered joints in the old masonry toโฆ
Don Quijote To Host Benefit Dinner for Feeding Our Seniors!
Benefit Dinner August 25 | 2-5 PM | Don Quijote Restaurant Support VNA Meals on Wheels by attending our upcoming benefit dinner hosted by Don Quijote Restaurante. A very special thank you to owners, Carlos and Elena, who are very generously hosting dinner and making it possible for 100% of the funds raised to go directly toโฆ
Gary Indianaโs Palace Theater Recently Sold for $2,500
The Palace Theater (an abandoned and delapilated building) that is a half block long, was recently sold by the City of Gary Redevelopment Department for $2,500. According to the Garyโs comprehensive plan, this building is slated for demolition. It has not bee revealed what is going to happen to this property, nor why theโฆ
Dish Restaurant Closes โ Valparaiso
After decades of serving the community, the Dish Restaurant permanently closed May 4th, 2024. They are grateful for the wonderful guests who made up the Dish Family and the Countless memories that have been made.
Costas Restaurant Group will be opening up a new concept in downtown Valparaiso at 218 E. Lincolnway (the old Tonyโs Pizza which is currently under renovation) where many of the Dish staff and popular dishes will be served. This restaurant will be open later this summer.
Continue Reading . . .
Barker Mansion Opens After Renovations
The Barker Mansion, a cherished historic gem in Michigan City, Indiana, opened its doors on June 1st, following an extensive restoration.
Steeped in history and representing the epitome of Gilded Age luxury, The Barker Mansion is a testament to the success and innovation of the Barker family. This 35,000-square-foot marvel features 38 opulent rooms, 10 elegant bathrooms, and 7 grand fireplaces. Visitors can also enjoy the serene Jens Jensen-designed garden, a perfect spot to relax, play games, and soak in the beauty of the surroundings.
Continue Reading . . .
Valparaiso Announces Summer Concert Series
Valparaiso Events is currently working on guidelines to safely host these concerts, please stay tuned. Featuring a fabulous variety of artists and musical styles, this summer concert series is a treat for music lovers of all ages. On special Thursday nights throughout the summer, concertgoers gather under a beautiful night sky at The Porter Healthโฆ
Gary Indianaโs Palace Theater Recently Sold for $2,500
The Palace Theater (an abandoned and delapilated building) that is a half block long, was recently sold by the City of Gary Redevelopment Department for $2,500. According to the Garyโs comprehensive plan, this building is slated for demolition. It has not bee revealed what is going to happen to this property, nor why the city recently sold it. However, it is rumored that the plan is to renovate the structure and make โlow-income and moderate incomeโ housing.
Continue Reading . . .
Memorial Opera House Closes for Renovations
The Memorial Opera House renovation will be undergoing an amazing transformation with the next production not until September 26th, 2024. Using $5 million in Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money for the renovations, the first phase of the project included repairing the roof, tuckpointing brickwork and fixing the weathered joints in the old masonry to shore up the exterior structure. The Opera House has already had major renovations two times (2016), and has fairly new seats (2020) and several interior remodeling updates.
Continue Reading . . .
The Most Common Challenges in Historic Building Restoration
Restoring a building is a rewarding experience, but it comes with its challenges too. Here are few to keep in mind as you upgrade a building.
MLK Seminar At VU with 4 Videos You Can Watch on Facebook
We attended the Martin Luther King Seminar at Valparaiso University Seminar on How local Government โMakes a Difference.โ We Made 4 โLIVEโ Videos you can watch of Facebook. Lots of interesting topics were discussed pertaining to what local government does especially in the areas of social services. Panel speakers were Jesse Harper from Center Townshipโฆ
The 2024 donation season has begun! They are beyond excited to start distributing the funds their employees who have raised funds for local organizations that benefit our communities. Stay tuned to their social media to learn about the amazing organizations theyโre supporting in 2024! Peoples Bankโs commitment to public serviceโฆ
Urschel Laboratories proudly presents and The Kiwanis Club of Valparaiso hosts the Purdue Varsity Glee Club in concert on Sunday, January 21st, 2024 at 4pm. This popular concert is a fund-raising activity for the Kiwanis Club of Valparaiso. The proceeds will be used to help children and families in Greater Valparaiso in addition to some state,โฆ
Elton Jeff & The Honky Cat returns to the Opera House in Valparaiso, Indiana on Friday, June 21st, 2024 at 7:00pm at Gabis Arboretum. Elton Jeff & The Honky Cats is not just another tribute band. Their performance is more like a musical journey! With over six decades of chart-topping hits embraced by multiple generations, live music enthusiastsโฆ
Bill Durnell Named by Mayor Costas to Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission
Bill Durnell has been named to the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission, announced Mayor Jon Costas. โBill has proven leadership experience, keen analytical skills and a longstanding commitment to the Valparaiso community. We look forward to his financial expertise on this important commission,โ said Mayor Costas. Durnell is a certified public accountant andโฆ
Valparaiso Mayor Candidate Hannah Trueblood Recaps the 2023 Campaign
Hannah Trueblood was Valparaisoโs youngest and first female Mayoral candidate. She made it her turn, wrote her own rules, and made a positive difference in the community. Now, sheโs sharing her experience and helping the next generation of leaders run, and WIN at the Valparaiso Public Library on Thursday, January 4th from 4pmโฆ
Aftermath Cidery & Winery ; Bao’s Pastry ; Be Good Juicerie ; Designer Desserts-Valparaiso;
Don Quijote Imports; E&A Jewelers ; Ella Jayms ; FLUID Coffee Roasters – Downtown Valparaiso ; FLUID Coffee Roasters – Valpo South;
Hungry Hound Boutique & Grooming ; Indie Indie Bang Bang ; Journeyman Distillery; Lifestyles ; Market 102 ; Merit Pilates;
Birdie’s ; Old World Market ; Peddlers Pizza Pub ; Pickles Kids; Pikk’s Tavern ; RADIUS-Valpo; Rocket Fizz Valparaiso, Indiana ; Scented Science
Silcott Shoes ; Six Cypress Boutique; The Spice & Tea Exchange; The Press; Toys in the Attic – Valpo Valpo Vintage;
vALPARAISO, INDIANA; ValpoEvents; Valparaiso Events; Things to do in Valparaiso; Downtown Valparaiso; Valparaiso Restaurants; Valparaiso Boutiques
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
