I65-SR2 Interchange Economic Development Plan
The I-65 and SR 2 interchange represents a strategic economic development opportunity for Lake County, Indiana. Located along a major north–south interstate corridor with regional and national connectivity, the area is well positioned to support continued industrial, logistics, and commercial growth that strengthens the county’s economic base and employment.
Recent and planned private investments have demonstrated the market potential of the interchange area. Most prominent is the 13.58-million cubic foot cold storage facility at the northeast quadrant of the interchange. Other built facilities include interstate-oriented commercial uses such as fuel and convenience services. A John Deere manufacturing and distribution facility is planned for the southwest quadrant of the interchange. Together, these investments signal growing demand for logistics, agriculture-related industries, and traveler-serving businesses, and they establish a foundation for future development. Simultaneously, the demand for this investment will be unrealized without assistance. The area has environmental constraints, lacks water and sewer capacity, and has insufficient roadway infrastructure. These will hinder further development of the area until they are addressed.
1. Attract targeted industries, like distribution, warehousing, and related uses, that contribute to employment opportunities and long-term economic growth;
2. Support business retention, expansion, and new investment by creating a development environment that fosters long-term viability and results in meaningful employment opportunities for County residents; and
3. Implement targeted public improvements, projects, and programs that stimulate private investment and advance Lake County’s adopted economic development objectives.
Key priorities of the plan include leveraging the interchange’s transportation access, expanding employment opportunities, increasing the tax base, and ensuring that development is efficient, coordinated, and sustainable. By proactively planning for growth at the I-65 and SR 2 interchange, Lake County can position the area as a regional employment center and a catalyst for continued economic vitality.
Lake County leadership seeks to build on recent momentum by guiding growth in a way that best serves the community by creating quality jobs and long-term economic prosperity. This Economic Development Plan provides a framework to:
A new $124 million United States Cold Storage (USCS) facility is under construction at the northeast corner of I-65 and State Road 2 (SR 2) in Lake County, IN. This 13.58 million cubic-foot, fully automated refrigerated warehouse is designed to be solar-powered and is expected to create 60 jobs by 2028, driving industrial expansion in the area.