Merrillville projects receive tax abatement approvals
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
The Merrillville Redevelopment Commission and Town Council have approved tax abatement for six projects in the Lake County town. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report the investments total more than $130 million and are expected to create hundreds of jobs in Merrillville.
The majority of the total investment is coming from The Missner Group in Illinois, which is planning several speculative facilities for nearly 90 acres of land it owns in and around the AmeriPlex at the Crossroads business park. The group is planning more than one million square feet of space for development.
“This is kind of a big deal,” said Councilman Shawn Pettit.
Among the spec buildings, The Times reports a more than 800,000-square-foot structure, representing a $57.5 million investment, is in the works. The facility is estimated to create as many as 100 construction jobs and around 200 permanent positions.
Additionally, $41.5 million is expected to be invested in two other facilities totaling more than 400,000 square feet. The Times reports Missner also plans to build some smaller facilities.
According to Pettit, another tax abatement was requested for a new mechanical press acquired by Modern Forge. The project represents a $6.3 million investment and will create up to 35 jobs, increasing the company’s annual payroll by about $1.1 million.
“It’s a pretty impressive facility that Modern Forge has out there, and I’m glad you’re in town,” Pettit said.
The 86th Place Partners are also seeking tax abatement for two buildings to be created on property near Louisiana Street.
Additionally, the publication reports Broadway Outlots plans to construct a $5.5 million spec facility in AmeriPlex, and tax abatement is being requested for the project that would add another 50 jobs in Merrillville.