As we close out this year, we are filled with profound gratitude for the incredible network of partners, supporters, and dedicated professionals who made our affordable, cooperative rental community at Karwick Village a reality. What began as a vision to create accessible, quality housing for our community has become tangible thanks to the generosity, expertise, and commitment of so many. It is amazing to think that in March of this past year, we broke ground at Karwick Village, and in just a few days, we’ll be welcoming our first residents to Karwick Village. This moment is only possible due to the incredible community that supported this project.
Our Funders: Investing in Affordable Housing
This work would not be possible without the substantial financial support from organizations and institutions that share our belief that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.
Major Funders & Partners:
· Health Foundation of La Porte
· Unity Foundation of La Porte County
· Huizenga Family Foundation
· La Porte County & Michigan City Governments
· Global Engineering & Land Surveying
· dh2w Architecture & Planning
Your investment goes far beyond dollars; it represents a commitment to equity, stability, and opportunity for families in our community. Thank you for believing in this mission and for taking concrete action to address the affordable housing crisis.
Major Donors: Sustained Support That Makes the Difference
To those individuals who have made significant donations to the project at Karwick Village, you’ve provided the foundation we needed to plan and build with confidence and begin construction of Karwick Village this year.
Major Donors:
· John Vander Wagen III
· Leigh Coburn
· Sandi Keller
· Scott Huizenga
· Fred Miller
· Kathleen Kelly
· Jim Eriksson
· The Rocque Family Foundation
· Ted & Harriette Perlman
· The Presbyterian Church of La Porte
Your support allowed us to leverage larger grants, cover essential costs, and respond quickly when opportunities arose. You are true partners in this work, and we are grateful for your steadfast commitment.
Design & Planning Partners
Karwick Village was shaped by an exceptional group of planners, designers, engineers, and public-sector partners whose expertise guided every step of this development—from concept to site plans to permitting. Their insight, creativity, and technical skill ensured that we were building not only homes, but a resilient, thoughtfully designed community.
Design & Planning Partners:
- Global Engineering & Land Surveying
- dh2w Architecture & Planning
- Bruce Kajawa Drafting
- Hitchcock Design Group
- Jimmy Pressel
- Molly Christine Design
- Michigan City Planning & Building Departments
- Soil Solutions
- K&S Engineers
- Charles Hendricks & Associates
- Alt & Witzig Engineering
Your work laid the foundation—literally and figuratively—for everything built at Karwick Village. Thank you for shaping a site that will serve families for decades.
Construction & Site Development Team
Karwick Village came to life through the skill, strength, and craftsmanship of the many builders and tradespeople who worked on the ground every day. From excavation to framing, utilities to finishing touches, this team transformed plans on paper into real homes built with care.
Construction & Site Development Team:
- Jimmy Pressel
- Pavey Excavating
- A & T Concrete
- DS Plumbing
- Hilty Construction
- GA Exteriors
- Steelmaster
- Hot Wire Electric
- Keifer Remodeling
- Jeff Roberts Painting
- Saxon Drywall
- Energy Tech 2
- All Season’s Heating & AC
- Carpet Town
- Duneland Landscape
- La Porte Seamless Gutter
- Tree Bee Arborist
- NIPSCO
- Michigan City Building, Sewer & Water Departments
Your craftsmanship created safe, durable, energy-efficient homes. Each skill, trade, and crew contributed to a place where families can thrive—thank you for building with excellence and heart.
Suppliers: Specialized Excellence
Every aspect of these properties required specialized knowledge, products, and skilled execution. Our suppliers brought their expertise to ensure every system works perfectly and that everything we needed to construct La Porte County’s first affordable, cooperative rental community was possible.
Suppliers:
- Von Tobel
- Meyer Glass & Mirror
- Sharps Discount Home Center
- Leep’s Supply
- Menards
- Big C Lumber
- Tylisz Appliance
- LRS Recycles
- Lowe’s
From the electrical systems that power daily life to the plumbing that provides comfort, from the HVAC systems that ensure year-round comfort to all the specialized items these supplies created homes this year. Thank you for your precision and dedication to your craft.
Looking Forward
As we celebrate what we’ve accomplished together this year, we’re already looking ahead. These affordable, cooperative rental properties represent more than a construction project; they represent families with stability, children with consistent schools, and individuals with the security to build better futures.
None of this would be possible without each person and organization named above. You are part of something meaningful and lasting. Thank you for making affordable housing a reality in our community.
Here’s to another year of partnership, progress, and purpose.
