Laying the Groundwork for Nappanee's Future Growth

As someone deeply involved in shaping Nappanee’s future, I often hear a common question from residents: “When are we getting a new grocery store, or more restaurants and retail options?”

It is a fair question, and one we take seriously. While there is no official announcement yet about a new store like ALDI or a national restaurant chain, I want to share what we are doing behind the scenes to make that possible, and why Nappanee is on the right path.

One of the best ways we can attract new investment is by continuing to invest in ourselves; and that is exactly what we are doing. If you have been downtown lately, you have noticed some of the improvements that need to take shape:

• We are planning to update sidewalks, lighting, signage, and landscaping to make downtown more walkable and welcoming.
• We are turning alleyways into functional, vibrant public spaces that support local events and small businesses. (Our first project, Cartoon Alley)
• We are studying improvements to our public infrastructure and rethinking parking to make our commercial areas more accessible.

These upgrades will not just look nice, they help send a message: Nappanee is open for business, and we are serious about long-term growth.

When it comes to bringing in a chain like ALDI, there are specific site selection criteria they follow to make sure they make a profit on their investment in our community. For example, ALDI typically looks for:

• A population of at least 25,000 within a 5-mile radius- we currently have 7,185
  
• High-traffic locations with strong visibility and access
  
• At least 2 acres of land for building and parking
  Proximity to other commercial activity
  

On paper, Nappanee’s city limits do not quite meet those numbers. But we know the reality is different: our community draws people from across the region, including rural areas and surrounding towns. We are also a year-round destination for tourists and seasonal visitors. That broader market is not always reflected in the standard data, but we are working to change that.

To make a stronger case for retail expansion, we have been:

• Compiling data that reflects our regional trade area, not just our population
  
• Identifying potential development sites that meet national criteria
  
• Engaging with retail consultants and developers to share what Nappanee has to offer
  
• Building infrastructure that can support new investment as soon as it is ready to happen

We are also listening to you. Your input: whether through conversations, petitions, or community meetings, helps us show potential partners that there is real demand here.

A new grocery store or national restaurant investing and developing in our community is not something that happens overnight. It takes preparation, persistence, and the right timing. But the work we are doing right now, investing in our local developers, beautifying our downtown, improving infrastructure, and demonstrating community support, is exactly what helps us be ready when the opportunity comes.

I want you to know that your voices are being heard, and our team is actively pursuing opportunities that will serve Nappanee well, both now and in the future.

In the meantime, I encourage you to continue supporting our amazing local businesses. For your grocery needs, please consider the locally owned Amish grocery stores in the countryside, Martin’s Supermarket, and Miller’s Orchard, just a couple blocks from downtown. These establishments are integral to what makes our community unique, and their success is vital to the future we are building together.

Thank you for believing in Nappanee. Let’s keep growing; smart, steady, and together.

-Mark Collins, Director of Development