Mayor Anthony Copeland and the City of East Chicago are pleased to announce the purchase of 29 acres at 3600 Michigan Avenue by Chrome, LLC. The company is investing $5 Million in property acquisition, improvements and beautification.
The company is also in final stages of securing an anchor tenant which would be an investment of at least an additional $2 Million with approximately 30 jobs as part of a relocation, additional property improvement and development. Chrome, LLC is also facilitating conversations with workforce developement and Ivy Tech to ensure a qualified and skilled local employees
“We believe that acquiring this property was an investment for the company as well as in our community’s future. The property location is advantageous to companies looking to relocate or establish business in the Midwest and we want to show that East Chicago is open for business,” said Mayor Copeland.
Chrome, LLC has significant plans for the 100,000 square foot crane and rail served building including power, floor, wall and ceiling improvements along with demolition of declining property components and overall site enhancements, making it more attractive for companies to consider East Chicago.
“As manufacturing is migrating to clusters, the Midwest is seeing stabilization and growth and supply chain considerations are becoming more important. East Chicago, specifically this property, is conducive to attracting business and future developments,” said William Marsh, President and General Partner in Chrome, LLC.
The transaction was brokered by two local real estate professionals including Adam Karras (Commercial In-Sites, owner representative). Previously, the building has housed storage for BP, Buckmaster Steel operations and was originally built for Standard Forge.
The Lake County IN Economic Alliance (LCEA), the county economic development group, is extremely pleased with Chrome, LLC’s initial investment and look forward to working with them and the City of East Chicago on additional projects at this site. LCEA President and CEO, Karen Lauerman said, “This is a great opportunity for East Chicago. We see this announcement as just the beginning of good things to come for all the communities of Lake County.”