Ameriplex touts millions in growth

Merrillville town manager expects activity to continue

A Merrillville committee approved plans Tuesday for five lots in the Ameriplex at the Crossroads business park that, when developed, will represent tens of millions of dollars in new investment, hundreds of temporary construction jobs and hundreds of permanent new jobs, according to Town Manager Patrick Reardon.

“There’s been a flurry of positive activity and it’s expected to continue,” Reardon said.

He said much of the new development being considered is similar to what is already at the business park: clean manufacturing, light industrial and warehouse/distribution.

One of the lots, at 99th Court and Georgia Street, has already been sold and will house Lamar Outdoor Advertising’s new office. A 27.5-acre parcel at 98th Avenue and Georgia Street, just east of the proposed Amazon warehouse, has been divided into two separate lots.

Reardon said both properties would be developed by Crow Holdings of Chicago. Another lot, bordered by 96th Avenue, Massachusetts Drive and Broadway,

has been divided into two parcels, one at 2.2 acres and one at 4.16 acres. Both have sales pending and are being developed by Murray Development of Illinois.

“This is the next step in the process,” Reardon said. “They’re poised to present their ideas on what they want to do with the property.”

The fifth lot, a 14.27-acre parcel located next to Dawn Food Products at Georgia Street and Interstate 65, also has a sale pending and would be developed by Pure Development of Indianapolis. Reardon said another lot, containing 45 acres, could have a pending sale soon, and land outside the Ameriplex complex is being considered as well.

“Finally, people are recognizing Northwest Indiana for what it is,” Reardon said.

Councilwoman Margaret Uzelac, D-4th, gave much of the credit to Reardon.

“I commend the town manager for all of his diligent work,” she said.

Reardon said if all the potential development takes off, the town will be able to look at other areas that have been more challenging, due to roads and other factors.

“It’s more challenging than when you have open fields,” he said.

The plat review committee also approved the dedication of land by Holladay Properties, which developed Ameriplex at the Crossroads, to the town for 98th Avenue.