City leaders say distribution center could expand business opportunities

Hundreds of jobs could be coming to South Bend.

The city is partnering with Great Lakes Capital to build a 22- acre distribution center on South Bend’s northwest side.

“This is really important to be competitive in economic development you have to have the right tools,” said City of South Bend Director of Business Development Chris Fielding.

So the city of South Bend is getting to work to build a 200,000 square ft. distribution center.

Great Lakes will fund this project, happening in the Ameriplex, on the southeast corner of Adams Road and Dylan Drive.

Because of its quick and easy access to the 80/90 Indiana Toll Road and the US 31 Bypass, Fielding said the land would be a phenomenal site for the building.

He said the building will be the first of its kind in South Bend, equipped with 30 -32 ft ceilings; 50 ft beam spacing and cross docking.

He said the space will expand market opportunities and attract distribution companies that want to avoid the often lengthy construction process, to the area.

“They want a building that typically they can move into with 90 to 120 days and if a market has that they are willing to look at your market. And currently in our market that doesn’t exist,” Fielding explained.

Fielding said the center could bring anywhere from 40 to 200 jobs to the area.

The city’s Redevelopment Commission will make a final decision Thursday morning.

Homeowners who live nearby said their only concerns are possible lack of privacy and congestion at the ramp to get on the US 31 Bypass with more trucks coming to the area.