Family Express Plans Special Store for Its Hometown

VALPARAISO, Ind. — Family Express Corp. has big plans for a nearly 15-acre site it is under contract to purchase in its hometown of Valparaiso.

At the former Urschel Factory, a now-vacant manufacturing facility at the intersection of Vale Park Road and Calumet Avenue, Family Express plans to build a new colonial prototype store and eventually redevelop the rest of the property.

A key component of the new store will be a celebration of the Valparaiso University Vikings, with store images consistent with Valparaiso Vikings colors. An artist’s rendering of the store is above.

Family Express recently introduced a similar themed concept celebrating the legacy of Purdue University at its convenience store located on the outskirts of the college’s West Lafayette, Ind., campus.

“The Purdue-themed concept has been exciting and fun,” said Gus Olympidis, president and CEO of Family Express. “We felt that for as long as the community is supportive, we would like to develop a similar concept in our hometown celebrating ‘Valpo Vikings’ and thus, showcase community pride for one of our treasured institutions.”

Founded in 1975, Family Express Corp. operates convenience stores in Northwest and North Central Indiana.