A new multi-unit retail development is bringing excitement, jobs, and a significant investment to the community.
Officials gathered on Friday to break ground for the new Mississippi Crossings project that will house Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Crumbl Cookies, and American Mattress. Region Contractors is handling the construction of the 7,500-square-foot facility at 1600 E. 79th Ave., which is near Lowe’s.
“We want to welcome you to the Town,” Town Councilman Shawn Pettit said to project representatives during Friday’s groundbreaking ceremony.
Merrillville Development, LLC., is the project owner, and the company is investing about $3 million for the new building. The tenants are projected to invest another $1.3 million in total in their spaces. Pettit said the development will create about 60 jobs.
As the project got underway Friday, Town officials said the building should be open by March of 2024.
“Mississippi Crossings is one of several developments currently underway in Town, and we’re looking forward to seeing it come to fruition,” Town Manager Patrick Reardon said.
Merrillville Development, LLC., worked with Latitude Commercial Real Estate to lease space in the new building. Brett McDermott, Co-Founder/Senior Vice President at Latitude Commercial Real Estate, said the Tropical Smoothie Cafe will be the first in the area.
Merrillville Economic Development Director Angie Chilcott said Crumbl Cookies has been increasing in popularity in the Region, and many in Merrillville are excited to have a location right in their backyard.
Nick Georgiou, an owner of Region Contractors, said he anticipates construction moving quickly, and he’s enjoyed working with the Town of Merrillville through the building process.
“This project went very smoothly,” he said.
It has been amazing and exciting watching both national and regional brands come to Merrillville to invest here in our awesome community. It is the business community that is the backbone of any city or town and a strong business community raises values of investments for homeowners and other businesses in town. I welcome these new companies to Merrillville. -Rick Bella, Town Council President
