Carol Johnson | Southern Indiana Business Report
BEDFORD – Commercial investment in Bedford totaled $32 million in 2025 and marked a significant jump from 2024, which recorded $19 million in commercial projects.
Projects such as a $3 million expansion at CAP Group Inc., $8 million for a new fire safety system at GM’s Bedford Casting Operations, a new Culver’s restaurant and Rookie’s, an entertainment center and restaurant, were among the projects that developed in 2025.
Bedford Mayor Sam Craig highlighted the investments during his recent State of the City address.
The city’s Planning Department issued 13 permits for new commercial construction and 30 commercial remodel permits in 2025. Craig noted that Culver’s had been interested in opening a Bedford location for years and recorded one of the highest sales days for an opening day. Rookie’s opened in the former Great Escape Theater, which had been empty since the movie theater closed. The locally owned business has arcade games, a golf simulator, axe throwing, darts and party rooms.
“What’s really nice is these are our local people investing in our community to make it better. They are people who are investing in our community to a point we don’t have to worry about them picking up and going someplace else. Because this is home to them and this is their community,” Craig said.
Residential investment; growth of duplexes
Residential investment was also strong in the Limestone Capital with $20 million spent on new construction and home remodels last year.
Construction of duplexes was the biggest share of new construction, with 11 permits issued in 2025; in 2024, seven permits were issued for new duplexes. The duplexes built in 2025 represent an investment of $13.3 million, according to information from the city.
Single family new construction was down slightly in 2025 from the previous year, dropping from 41 permits in 2024 to 33 permits in 2025.
Craig commended the Planning and Zoning Department for working with developers to see that projects are built to city standards and that approved projects ultimately make the city a better place to live.
“This board sets the precedent in a lot of ways as to what direction our city is going as far as housing, zoning, and what we’re going to allow and not allow,” Craig said during the State of the City. “A lot of this determines how your city may function, how it’s looked at. It’s really the face of your city.”
Del Taco coming to Bedford
Kevin Jones, director of Planning and Zoning, said 2026 is on track to be another strong year.
Property on John Williams Boulevard and Limestone Drive will be home to a new Del Taco. Del Taco, a Mexican restaurant chain based in California, announced in February 2025 that it was planning an Indiana expansion that included Bedford. This week, the Bedford Plan Commission heard a rezoning request from the developer to rezone 5 acres at John Williams Boulevard and Limestone Drive. Pending approval of the rezoning, Del Taco will be built on one parcel with potential for more development.
Wawa, a Pennsylvania-based gas station and convenience store, began site preparation at Fifth Street and Ind. 37 in 2025. After a delay, construction has resumed.
Walmart will construct a gas station in what is now the parking lot of the retailer’s location on John Williams Boulevard. Development is also taking place on JWB and Williams Park Drive, where Jones said five lots will be available.
Also in the pipeline is a large apartment complex under construction on 39th Street. Jones said Brian and JJ Norris, DBA Chili Red Investments, plan to construct a 77-unit complex.