(La Porte, IN) - Two longtime vacant buildings in downtown La Porte are being extensively remodeled for future use.  

 

One of them is a five story structure on Monroe St. just north of Lincolnway. The plan there is to offer commercial space on the main level and apartments on the upper floors in one of the tallest buildings in the downtown, said Bert Cook, Executive Director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership.

 

Cook said the building has been empty for at least 20 years.

 

“I’m sure it’s longer than that,” he said.

 

Cook said the work is about 30 percent completed.

 

The other building renovation is where La Porte Sporting Goods once existed until closing over a decade ago in the 900 block of Lincolnway across from the courthouse.

 

Cook said the plans there also call for commercial space on the main level and about a half dozen apartments on the second and third floors.  He estimated that project to be about halfway finished with completion expected in the spring.

 

Cook said the investment in the properties both owned by La Porte area residents will further the progress in the revitalization downtown has experienced over the past several years.

 

“You’re going to have two very new spaces in the downtown.  That’s terrific.  I think it just pushes that snowball we talk about.  The momentum that’s been created by the investment in downtown La Porte,” he said.