(Valparaiso, IN) – The Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce and City of Valparaiso have announced the winners of the 51st Annual Community Improvement Awards and one of Holladay Properties’ Architecture & Design Services project is among the honorees: Von Tobel Lumber renovation at 2556 S Washington Street. The Holladay team would like to recognize Jessica Vargas, Project Architect from the Portage office, who has been an integral part of the Von Tobel Lumber rebranding and renovation effort.

Holladay Properties and Ms. Vargas have been working with Von Tobel Lumber since April of 2016 on design services for a series of Von Tobel retail store renovations. The first project was in Schererville, IN and was completed in June 2017. The renovation of the Michigan City retail store was completed in August 2017 and the renovation of the Valparaiso store, which included interior office improvements, began in October 2017.

Holladay Construction Group has served as Von Tobel’s General Contractor for each project and has worked closely with Holladay Properties and Ms. Vargas. The Von Tobel Valparaiso project was completed in June 2018. Other members of the project team include:

• Mix Design – Brand and logo design
• Huggett-Better – Builder
• Lakeshore Landscaping – Landscape Designer 

To earn the Community Improvement Award, a project is judged on several criteria based on the visual impact of the exterior appearance, including:

• Enhancement of the attractiveness of Valparaiso
• Compatibility with the area and environment
• Commitment to Valparaiso’s future
• Creativity/innovation in design and use of materials
• Enhancement of quality of live and promotion of pride in Valparaiso

The 51st Annual Community Improvement Awards recognized 15 local businesses for their commitment and investment in the City of Valparaiso at a luncheon on October 23.