Nappanee Dietrich Building “white space” storefront lease RFP: offers due July 28

The City of Nappanee posted a Request for Proposals for a short-term “white space” storefront lease inside the Dietrich Building at 105 S. Main Street on July 14, 2026. The RFP packet sets a minimum monthly rent of $915 and says written offers must be submitted by 7:00 a.m. on July 28, 2026, before the Redevelopment Commission opens and considers proposals at City Hall.

For downtown-minded retailers, service providers, and other entrepreneurs, the July 28 deadline is the key action date—this is a solicitation for offers, not a finalized tenant selection.

Key terms residents and business applicants should note

According to the RFP packet, the City is offering a short-term lease of an approximately 575-square-foot storefront portion of the Dietrich Building. The packet says the stated square footage is approximate and is provided for identification purposes only; the Premises, and not the stated square footage, control.

Other baseline terms in the packet include:

• Minimum monthly rent: $915.00 per month, subject to confirmation it is not less than the minimum rental amount permitted by applicable law based on the appraised rental value of the Premises.
• Entire premises only: Only offers for the lease of the entirety of the Premises will be considered.
• Condition: Leased “AS IS, WHERE IS” with all faults.
• Use standards: The packet limits the Premises to small storefront retail, pop-up, boutique, artisan, specialty goods, creative retail, or similar low-intensity commercial use approved by the Commission.

The notice describes the opportunity as a short-term “White Space” storefront program intended to encourage new retail concepts and test business ideas in downtown Nappanee.

The packet also lays out an anticipated initial lease term of six (6) months, commencing on or about September 1, 2026, and ending on or about February 1, 2027 (unless terminated earlier under the lease terms).

Timeline: questions, addenda, and the July 28 morning opening

The RFP packet lists “IMPORTANT DATES” for applicants:

• July 14, 2026: City posts the RFP notice
• July 22, 2026 (4:30 p.m.): deadline for written questions
• July 24, 2026 (12:00 p.m.): deadline for responses/addenda (if any)
• July 28, 2026 (7:00 a.m.): submission deadline and public opening
• August 25, 2026 (7:00 a.m.): anticipated consideration/award
• September 1, 2026: anticipated lease commencement

Where offers go—and when the Redevelopment Commission meets

The notice says all written offers must be filed with Mark Collins, Director of Development for the City of Nappanee no later than 7:00 a.m. local time on July 28, 2026, at Nappanee City Hall (300 West Lincoln Street). Late proposals may be rejected and returned unopened.

The packet also states that each proposer should submit one original written proposal and one electronic copy in PDF format (if available).

On July 28, the Redevelopment Commission will meet at City Hall at 7:00 a.m. to open and consider the written offers. The City’s Planning & Zoning department event listing also shows that Redevelopment Commission meeting window on 07/28/2026 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m..

What to do next if you’re interested

The City says a detailed Offering Packet is available for inspection at City Hall, including the notice itself plus an Offering Sheet, Instructions to Proposers, a Proposal Form, and maps/floor plan materials.

Before submitting, applicants should review the Instructions to Proposers for the required submission format and the information the packet says proposals should include—such as the intended use, anticipated operational timeline, proposed monthly rent, and any requested minor improvements or installations.

Sources

• Planning & Zoning events: Redevelopment Commission meeting window on 07/28/2026