Cummins Locating Distribution HQ Downtown Indy

Columbus, Indiana based Cummins is locating its distribution headquarters and hundreds of jobs downtown Indianapolis.

The facility will go just south of a new 28-story mixed-use complex that is also being built on the former Market Square Arena site.

Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Deron Kintner says it won’t be as big as its neighbor, but will offer something unique to downtown.

"This isn't just 'hey we want to locate some jobs in your city,' we want to build a campus," he said.  "Those opportunities do not come along every day.  I think the other potential uses that people have talked about on that site, to the extent that they are realistic, there are other places that that can occur.  Opportunities like this don't come along very often.

The exact size of the building is not yet known, but will include offices, retail, a parking garage, and green space.

"We are definitely committed to contributing something significant architecturally to the downtown landscape," said John Mills of Cummins.  "We have a long history of doing that.  If you go down to Columbus, you'll see many instances of that, as well as across the globe and different buildings that we've put up.  So, regardless of size, I think it is something the city can be proud of and our company can be proud of."

He says the location is ideal because it’s near the airport and up against the city’s Cultural Trail.

"A lot of us do commute down to Columbus, so further down you are toward Columbus - easy access to the interstate, easy access to the airport - it's easy for customers, it's easy for employees to get back and forth," he said.  "Obviously the space is just really attractive, as well."

The project is roughly $30-million and Cummins will receive tax abatement.

The company is purchasing the property for $4.3-million. The city is committing $3.3-million for infrastructure improvements.

Cummins will bring 250 immediate jobs to the downtown location with up to 400 in the future.

"We are really pleased to be on that location.  We think it is great for our business," said Mills.  "Our distribution business is forming to really expand their global footprint and capabilities to provide service and support to customers around the globe.  We have customers in approximately 190 countries, so this will really help to do that."

Construction is slated to begin later this year and have the building open in 2016.