ANGOLA, Ind., (WOWO): A multi-purpose project is moving along thanks to help from the community.
The City of Angola, Town of Fremont and Steuben County Economic Development Corporation has introduced plans for the former TransGuard facility in Angola. The redevelopment of the complex into the industrial training center has seen contributions from many in the community. “The Enterprise Center is off to a strong start”, according to Richard Dodge, President of the Steuben County EDC Board of Directors.
The Steuben County EDC anticipates investing up to $1 million into the complex over the next 12 months. The funds will be used to get the training center up and running, to convert the old barn into a coworking space and to finish out the corner building (South Wayne Street and East Felicity Street) into a visitor’s center and offices for the Steuben County Tourism Bureau. An additional $500,000 to $1 million will be required to make improvements to the back buildings, exteriors, parking and general upgrades in year two.
In a press release, they say the project has made tremendous progress since the concept was introduced:
* Angola/Fremont were selected as a quarter finalist in the ABC competition, and Mitel from Ottawa, Canada has been named a corporate sponsor and mentor in the competition;
* With the support of Steuben County Government and Farmers State Bank, the Steuben County EDC was able to acquire the 4.23 acre, five building, 70,000 sq. ft. TransGuard complex, which had set empty for six years;
* Steuben County EDC relocated its offices to 907 South Wayne Street on July 1st; and
* Redevelopment of the complex into an industrial training center, coworking space and business incubator received a wonderful boost at the facility’s Open House and Dedication on July 21st, when three significant grants were announced:
* NIPSCO contributed $20,000;
* Steuben County Community Foundation contributed $100,000 (plus an additional $10,000 to extend iMAN fiber connection to the facility); and
* Steuben County REMC Operation Round Up contributed $10,000.
* The City of Angola is preparing a complete street-scaping project to include controlled driveway access, curbs, grass meridians and sidewalks along the 365 feet of South Wayne Street frontage.
