Mishawaka approves new Gurley Leep Automall economic development area

MISHAWAKA, Ind. — A major new automall could soon reshape development along Cleveland Road after Mishawaka leaders approved an automall economic development area for a planned 72-acre Gurley Leep auto campus.

The Mishawaka Common Council voted 9–0 to designate an Auto Mall Economic Development Area between Cleveland Road and the Indiana Toll Road.

City officials say additional steps remain before construction can begin, but the council’s approval represents a major step forward by creating a new Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, district covering roughly 200 acres between Cleveland Road, Veterans Parkway and Juday Creek.

City leaders say the district will help fund major infrastructure improvements while encouraging future development beyond the automall itself.

Planned upgrades include utility extensions, the widening of Cleveland Road beginning later this year and continuing through 2027, and an extension of Veterans Parkway that is expected to be completed by 2028.

“This is really good from an economic development potential. It could be residential, it could be commercial moving forward we don’t know what the world will bring in that regard but having vacant land available with utilities from a city perspective is exciting,” said Ken Prince, Mishawaka’s director of planning and community development.

The proposed automall would include eight dealerships, a maintenance facility and a car wash, making it the first automall of its kind in the region.

The city is now working to finalize financing and development plans with Gurley Leep.

Construction is expected to begin as early as this spring.

Gurley Leep shared this statement with ABC57:

“Growth only matters when it creates positive impact,” the statement said. “This auto campus will allow us to better serve our guests, expand career opportunities for our team members, and strengthen the community through job creation and giving back. This move in 2027 will be a fitting celebration of our 50th year serving Michiana.”