Valparaiso council hears plan to rezone historic Banta Center for residential reuse; second reading set

Valparaiso City Council on first reading considered an ordinance to amend the zoning map for the former Banta Center at 605 Beach Street, shifting about 1.25 acres from Public Space to Urban Residential to accommodate a multi-family reuse of the century-old building.

City planner Robert Thompson and Parks Department staffer Evan told the council the parks department issued a public request for proposals and received a single response from the Welter family seeking to convert the building into seven living units. Thompson said the plan commission voted unanimously to recommend approval after public hearings in October and November.

Council members raised preservation and program concerns. One member noted the building is rated “notable” in the county historic-structure review but not currently on the National Register; Thompson said eligibility depends on the final materials and design and that the city’s historic-review committee will be consulted. Parks staff said the seller’s conditions include retaining the north playground and green space and continuing senior programming in the building for a minimum of three and up to five years or until an alternate location is ready.

Councilors also asked about next steps such as replats and alley vacations that will accompany the rezoning if approved. Thompson said those land‑use steps will follow the rezoning and will come before the council as required.

After the presentation and questions, the council moved to carry the ordinance to its next meeting for a second reading and public comment on Dec. 8.

The ordinance remains at first reading and no final zoning change has been adopted. The council will consider the matter again after the December hearing.