The City of Ligonier, home of the greatest density of industrial workers in Noble County, is a city rich in history and full of diversity. The city is looking to attract a new hotel, more commercial businesses, and more housing.
In a move to help keep up with the fast pace of industrial growth in the region, and a need to attract more people to fill employer needs, Ligonier recently unveiled the Coussens Ligonier Planned Development. The plans illustrate zoning changes recently made to 117 acres of property annexed in June. The property, located on the west side of US 33, just south of US 6, was rezoned from agricultural use to broad categories of commercial/retail, residential/multi-family, and industrial.
Nearly 52 acres of the planned development has been zoned for industrial use, making it the only industrial site of its size currently available in Noble County.
Mayor Patty Fisel recently shared her desire to attract a small hotel to the development, one that could add about 30 beds for overnight accommodations. She is also believes the development is prime for more fast food options, a discount grocery, and other commercial businesses.
The mixed development also provides nearly 50 acres for single and multi-family homes. Fisel hopes to see the city’s residential growth continue as a result of the plan. A local residential developer has been working as fast as possible building single-family homes in the city’s Park Meadow addition, a 24-acre community that, when completed, will add a total of 70 new homes with room to add a second phase of growth later. Even so, the pace of residential growth in Ligonier and across the region has not kept up with the demand and thousands of jobs remain unfilled. It has been several years since any multi-family housing units were constructed in the county.
Tourism opportunities also abound in Noble County, but a lack of diversity and capacity in terms of hotels and motels has limited the amount of innkeepers tax revenue that supports the promotion of tourism. There are just three hotel properties currently contributing to the county’s promotional fund, one of which has been in litigation for non-payment for quite some time. Ligonier’s rich history and Amish population, which draws tens of thousands of people to the area each year, many outdoor amenities, and a large industrial sector are among the many reasons Ligonier believes a hotel could thrive here.
To inquire, call the Noble County EDC at (260) 636-3800 or email info@noblecountyedc.com.
