By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — There is likely nobody more pleased to see a new chapter unfold at the old Gatke property in Warsaw than Jeremy Skinner.
The large rusted industrial blighted tract on McKinley Street sat empty for decades and became a haven for small crime and homelessness, but that is now a distant memory as construction has begun for the Union Station Lofts.
The development will feature 80 apartments and significant commercial space.
For Skinner, the city’s director of economic and community development, it was a puzzle he’s tried to solve over the course of nearly two decades.
Skinner admitted it’s been hanging over his head “for a long time.”
“It feels good to finally get it going,” Skinner said Thursday.
“We’ve had a lot of different ideas thrown at us over the years. Some not great ideas, some good ideas, without good financial backing and an ability to bring it to fruition,” Skinner said.
“To be able to sit down with Shelby (Bowen) three or four years ago and hammer this project out and get to where we are today, it’s been a long and rewarding project,” Skinner said.
Bowen is the founder and partner with Rebar Development of Fishers, which has constructed large-scale residential developments across parts of Indiana and Ohio.
The Warsaw project stands out for certain reasons that made it more complicated.
“I’ll tell you what was extraordinary,” Bowen said. “This site was probably the most difficult in terms of overcoming environmental history that went along with what was here with Gatke over the years … It took a long time and a lot of obstacles, but we were committed from the beginning.”
Skinner and Bowen were among a large group that celebrated the start of construction of the future Union Station Lofts Thursday with a groundbreaking that included Mayor Jeff Grose, former mayor Joe Thallemer, KEDCO’s Executive Director Peggy Friday and many other dignitaries.
Several people spoke ahead of the groundbreaking about the $19 million investment that officials believe will spur development of the larger McKinley Street Ride-Walk corridor.
“The transformation of the former Gatke site into Union Station Lofts represents a major milestone for our community,” said Mayor Grose.
“This development brings much-needed housing and vibrant commercial space while activating a key corridor that connects our neighborhoods and downtown. We’re proud to partner on this meaningful project that reflects Warsaw’s commitment to thoughtful growth and revitalization,” he said.
“Union Station Lofts is exactly the kind of investment that strengthens our community fabric,” said Friday. “By reimagining this historic industrial site, we’re creating a destination that will serve residents, small businesses, and entrepreneurs alike. It’s a powerful step forward for both our local economy and quality of place.”
The development includes 80 class-A apartment homes with one- and two-bedroom floor plans and three commercial studios totaling 3,306 square feet.
The Union Station Lofts will have elevated amenities that include a rooftop terrace, work-from-home lounge, resident cafe, state-of-the-art fitness center, bike storage, pet spa, and incredible views of Winona Lake.
The commercial space is expected to include a mix of retail, office, or restaurant space.
Union Station Lofts is a public-private partnership that includes a $4 million redevelopment tax credit from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority.
Additionally, through the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI), housed by OrthoWorx, the project will receive an additional $1.4 million in funding.
Construction should be complete in about 14 months, Bowen said.
The name of the lofts has been revised several times, but settled on the current name a few months ago.
