Michiana developer works to enhance St. Joseph County

This year, St. Joseph County has been benefiting from a boom.

There’s been a plethora of new commercial and residential project announcements.

A Michiana-bred developer behind one of the newest developments says there will be no slowing down.

“I think there’s so much going on here. It's a vibrant community,” said Ryan Rans, managing partner of Great Lakes Capital.

That’s why the real estate developer never left the area.

His latest real estate project is Grandview Flats and Townhomes in Granger.

The development will also include commercial real estate.

“Toscana Park is kind of the incubator for what we’re doing here,” Rans said.

Toscana Park, another one of Rans’ developments is right across the street from his newest construction site. 

The apartments there are 100-percent occupied with a waiting list and a plethora of businesses in front of them.

Rans says the businesses provide job opportunities, the development he is most proud of.

“It’s not just construction itself, but long term jobs,” Rans said. 

Businesses are also run out of his South Bend buildings.

He owns American Trust Place, which hosts Café Navarre, and the downtown building that houses The Exchange.

The Grandview residential phase should be completed within 18 months.

The commercial part should be up within two years. 

Rans says he’s focusing on making it pedestrian friendly.