Ignition Park, a future home to new technology businesses in South Bend, also has a new home on the Internet with the launch of a new web site: http://www.ignitionpark.com.
The brand new web site comes online just as the City of South Bend is completing arrangements to clear more than 80 acres of available land for Ignition Park.
"IgnitionPark.com makes it easy for forward-thinking businesses to discover the advantages and opportunities offered by Ignition Park," says Ignition Park Director Don Inks. IgnitionPark.com contains a video fly-through of architectural renderings envisioned for the site, encompassing more than 2 million square feet for offices, research labs and manufacturing facilities.
The new web site also highlights South Bend's financial and tax incentives, including tax abatements, revolving loans, tax-free revenue bonds, and tax increment financing. Additionally, the site's frequently asked questions section covers a range of issues emphasizing how South Bend is emerging as a center of technological research and development. And, its news section keeps viewers updated on the latest developments relating to Ignition Park.
South Bend Mayor Stephen J. Luecke notes that the launch of the interactive web site is another milestone. "People will get a glimpse of our future at IgnitionPark.com. It shows South Bend's commitment to the development of high-tech businesses that will power the new economy," Luecke said. "This web site will provide valuable information about the opportunities at Ignition Park for potential businesses as well as city residents," he said.
About Ignition Park
Ignition Park will serve as the heart of South Bend's transition to an economy offering opportunities in new technology and knowledge-based industries. Significantly, it is located on land that once was home to the Studebaker Corp., the storied automotive company that made South Bend a leading industrial center before closing more than 40 years ago.
Efforts to clear and reclaim more than 80 acres in the former Studebaker industrial corridor for new development continue with the announcement of acquisitions of two more properties. Underground Pipe & Valve Inc., located in the former Studebaker Foundry, will move to South Bend's Oliver Industrial Park. Ziolkowski Construction Inc. is planning to move to the Airport Industrial Park. The city also is negotiating to relocate other businesses in the area. When successfully completed, more than 100 acres will be open for development.
Ignition Park is one of the two locations in South Bend that make up Indiana's first two-site state-certified technology park. This revolutionary dual-location tech park was forged through the City of South Bend's partnership with the University of Notre Dame, Project Future – a local economic development group – and the state of Indiana. The other is Innovation Park at Notre Dame, located on 12 acres on the city's northeast side adjacent to the Notre Dame campus. The first 54,000-square-foot building at Innovation Park is scheduled for completion in fall 2009. Innovation Park at Notre Dame will facilitate commercialization of many forms of research, by convening innovators throughout the entire Notre Dame community (including faculty, students, alumni and partners in the region) and beyond.
Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564
