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Sunday, November 20, 2005

Ind. Econ. Dev. - Vacant industrial buildings and vacant "big box" commercial buildings

Vacant industrial buildings. "Are buildings liabilities or assets for development?" is the headline to this great report today by Michael McBride in the Muncie Star-Press. Some quotes posing the issue:

MUNCIE -- Some local people were surprised last winter when General Motors leveled the former Delco Battery plant in the Industria Centre.

But a GM official last week hinted that the company will likely also demolish Manual Transmissions of Muncie after the plant closes in March -- although it's hard to say how soon after.

Many industrial buildings built in the past are too big for today's manufacturing ways, said John M. McDonald, a GM communications official for the company's worldwide facilities and real estate-management department. According to GM, demolishing the 26-year-old former battery plant (operated by Delphi when it closed in 1998) actually enhanced the site's value -- as the practice has with other GM real estate worldwide.

Should Muncie, then, push to have other empty industrial buildings torn down, such as ABB T&D, Indiana Steel & Wire and other abandoned operations?

Companies, economic development officials and urban planners say that depends on the building and where it is.

This tremendous article is accompanied by an inventory of some of the vacant industrial buildings/sites in Muncie.

Vacant commercial buildings. The ILB has had a number of entries about Crown Point's fight to ban "big box" development, the most recent being this one, from Nov. 17th, titled "Final word, for now, on Crown Point's big box ordinance." A story today in the Munster (NW Indiana) Times may give this battle some perspective. Headlined "C.P. has big ideas for downtown," the story by Allison Fashek reports:

CROWN POINT | The city will unveil preliminary development plans for the downtown this month, including potential property acquisition for a new municipal complex and more accessible parking around the square.

A public workshop set for Nov. 30 is aimed at sharing information the city and LSL Planning Inc. have gathered, and discussing ideas for the downtown's future, said Economic Development Director Frank Mosko. LSL Planning, along with the companies KKG and First Group, is creating a 10-year plan for improving traffic and parking on the square due by the end of the year. * * *

The city's Redevelopment Commission is already in the process of acquiring the Geisen Funeral Home, 109 N. East St., and a two-story house next to City Hall the city uses for its Engineering Department, Economic Development and Special Events offices. The city could sign a purchase agreement for that property, which in 2002 had a reported $1 million asking price, by the end of the year.

The commission also has authorized Mosko to create an inventory of downtown properties that could house police, fire and City Hall staff in the future.

At the meeting, the city also will show a number of possible locations for new public parking around the square, including on North East Street and North Court Street. * * *

"What we're trying to do is plan for the future, the next 10-year window," he said. "These issues have to be addressed."

Here is a link to the City of Crown Point website, which includes a link to the City's Master Plan.

And here is a link to the grand Lake County Courthouse, built in 1878 and located in Crown Point, the county seat. An interesting note on the page:

So many people who visit the historic structure are appreciative of such an attractive and impressive courthouse. The Lake County Courthouse continues to be the center or topic and of pride to those who view it.

Yet, surprisingly, this grand building was once threatened to be demolished in order to create a parking lot. Thankfully, the historical structure was saved from demolition by a group of dedicated citizens. Now placed on the National Register of Historic Places (since May 17, 1973), the Lake County Courthouse is meticulously maintained in order to welcome tourists, shoppers, and other appreciative visitors.

Retired as the house of county government, "The Grand Old Lady" now harbors a medley of unique shops, even a museum featuring Crown Point historical memorabilia.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on November 20, 2005 10:27 AM
Posted to Indiana economic development