JobsOhio Awards OSIP Grant for New Building that Will Jumpstart Commerce Drive Industrial Park
RUSSIA— Cemleb Properties, LTD will begin development of a 12,000 square foot speculative expandable building in Russia, Ohio. This building will catalyze future development at Commerce Drive Industrial Park in the Village of Russia, Shelby County. This is the first development at the Industrial Park.
“The demand for this type of development is high due to the lack of current available industrial inventory in the Village of Russia and surrounding communities,” said Cemleb Properties, LTD Principal Ed Luthman. “For use of the space, Cemleb Properties will target local start-ups and local existing companies looking to expand their business. Without JobsOhio and their OSIP program it would not be financially viable to develop this site.”
Previously used for agriculture, the site was converted to an industrial park in 2004. The project will add a 12,000-square-foot speculative building with the option to expand another 12,000-square-feet over time. The facility will help enhance the Village of Russia’s existing manufacturing and distribution industries.
“This site is located in a rural area of the region that is rich in industry.,” said the DDC’s Executive Vice President of Regional Development Julie Sullivan. “This project will continue the economic development and growth of Shelby County, further the expansion of jobs, and improve access to potential new businesses and services.”
This facility will fill the void of no available industrial inventory in the area and attract and expand further opportunities for entrepreneurs, their families, and employees in the Village of Russia and region.
The Village of Russia has been working diligently to encourage development in the Commerce Drive Industrial Park. There have been significant investments made to the property that enhances the economic viability of the Village. “With our investments so far, it is imperative that we start utilizing this property, said Mark Shappie, Village of Russia Administrator. “This facility will attract a desirable user that will enhance our community.”
JobsOhio approved an Ohio Site Inventory Program (OSIP) grant. OSIP offers grants and low-interest loans to support speculative site and building development projects with no identified end user. The primary goal of OSIP is to fill gaps in Ohio’s real estate inventory with real estate targeting near-term sector wins to ensure our state is more competitive for reactive site selection projects.
The project also received a $200,000 Ohio Public Works Commission grant that will go towards infrastructure improvements. The development will also include the expansion of a roadway and utility improvements to serve the speculative building as well as future development on the remaining 47.5 acres at Commerce Drive Industrial Park.
“This investment brings critical inventory to the Commerce Drive Industrial Park, making Shelby County more attractive to new businesses looking to invest here for the first time,” said J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio president and CEO. “We are optimistic this facility will attract new businesses and be a spark for continued growth and job creation at the Commerce Drive Industrial Park.”
