Indiana Capital Chronicle
For The Republic
INDIANAPOLIS — The state of Indiana sold a chunk of a massive, long-vacant Indianapolis industrial site to Elanco Animal Health for $27 million, Gov. Mike Braun announced Monday.
“This agreement is a responsible step forward. It places this property in the hands of a company with a clear vision of a world-class innovation district, while ensuring the State of Indiana remains a full partner in what comes next,” Braun said. “This is about more than redeveloping land; it’s about creating jobs, attracting talent, and driving long-term growth for Indiana.”
Greenfield-based Elanco is building its new global headquarters on part of the former General Motors stamping plant site on the White River’s west bank, near downtown.
“This is about partnership and progress. The State’s willingness to work with us — not as a landowner but as a partner — makes this possible,” Elanco CEO Jeff Simmons said. “Securing this property now gives us the certainty we need to integrate it into our headquarters campus and move forward with speed.”
The company broke ground three years ago and plans to move into its new digs in early October, per Simmons.
The sale will also “accelerate the creation of” a larger One Health Innovation District anchored by the headquarters, according to the news release.
The district will “intentionally connect” research institutes, pilot-scale facilities, diagnostic labs, and animal clinical care with a vibrant community of offices, housing, retail and green space.
“That means jobs, investment, and an accelerated path to creating an innovation district dedicated (to) One Health,” Simmons said. “… Together with Purdue (University) and the State of Indiana, we’re building something that will drive innovation and improve lives for decades to come.”
Purdue President Mung Chiang said the university was “excited” to bring its expertise in animal, plant and human health to the project, and committed to “help(ing) create One Health jobs and workforce.”
“This strategic step will also further accelerate Purdue’s growth in the state’s capital city as part of our main campus across the Hard Tech Corridor between West Lafayette and Indianapolis,” he added.
General Motors closed its stamping plant in 2011. After demolition, the 100-acre site — which required environmental remediation — lay vacant for years.
— The Indiana Capital Chronicle covers state government and the state legislature. For more, visit indianacapitalchronicle.com.
