Wabash Tippecanoe Council approves multifamily zoning plan for new housing development

In the heart of Tippecanoe County, the air buzzed with anticipation as the County Commissioners convened to discuss pivotal zoning ordinances that could reshape local neighborhoods. On May 5, 2025, the meeting unfolded with a focus on several key proposals aimed at enhancing residential development in the area.

The first significant topic was the approval of Ordinance 2025-13, which received unanimous support from the commissioners. This ordinance pertains to a new residential development that promises to deliver quality homes priced between $400,000 and over a million dollars. A concerned resident raised questions about the materials used in construction, fearing that lower-quality materials might lead to deteriorating homes. In response, the petitioner assured the audience that their long-standing reputation, built over nearly six decades and 8,000 homes, speaks to their commitment to quality.

Following this, the commissioners turned their attention to Ordinance 2025-14, which involves a multifamily housing proposal on a 50-acre site near the new East-West Collector. This project aims to concentrate residential density close to the research park boundary, aligning with the Wabash Tippecanoe Township's planning directives. The developers anticipate constructing between 400 to 500 units, a move that has garnered positive feedback from the planning commission.

The meeting also highlighted the introduction of Ordinance 2025-15, which focuses on a new townhouse zoning district. This ordinance is particularly exciting for the commissioners, as it represents a larger-scale application of a zoning category previously used only for smaller projects. The proposed townhouses will feature single-family units attached by common walls, offering design flexibility that could cater to various housing needs.

As the meeting progressed, the commissioners emphasized their commitment to thoughtful development that respects existing neighborhoods while accommodating growth. With each ordinance passed, the vision for a more vibrant and diverse community in Tippecanoe County became clearer, leaving residents and officials alike eager to see how these developments will unfold in the coming years.