Pictured in blue is the plot at Marysville’s Innovation Park proposed to be purchased by Elford Construction. Union County Economic Development Director Eric Phillips expressed excitement at Monday’s Marysville City Council meeting that the Industrial Parkway development is seeing movement.
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After more than a year of preparation, the City of Marysville’s Innovation Park on Industrial Parkway could soon see its first building.
Elford Construction, based out of Columbus, presented legislation to city council Monday that would let it purchase land on the northwest corner of the park. The developer hopes to construct a pair of office buildings.
The legislation proposed at Monday’s meeting would allow Elford to purchase about 11 acres of land for $706,500, with an option to buy an adjoining 9 acres.
Alex Vulic, vice president at Elford’s realty department, said the first building will encompass about 156,000 square feet, while the second will be about 185,000 square feet.
Eric Phillips, Union County’s economic development director, said the arrival of the builder is the culmination of work officials have put in since 2016 to get the park up and running.
“This is a very exciting time for the city,” Phillips said.
Vulic said his company specializes in attracting manufacturing and tech-based tenants.
Councilperson Henk Berbee asked if Vulic had a more specific idea of what might go into the building. He said the city called it Innovation Park because it intended to have innovative industry move in.
Vulic said what goes in is subject to market demand, but reiterated his company is focused on “innovation users,” including advanced manufacturing.
“We believe by building a multi-tenant building, it will give us a more flexible selection,” he said.
Councilperson Tracy Richardson asked if the company had considered rezoning its parcel. Currently, it’s M-2, which generally facilitates manufacturing. She expressed concern how keeping it that way would exclude non-manufacturing tenants. She said the park is also intended for research and development.
“I guess I’m just trying to get a sense of what you’re targeting,” she said. “While we do want heavy manufacturing and advance manufacturing, we’re also looking for research and development and other types of businesses.”
Phillips said M-2 leaves the area open for both research and manufacturing, so there would be no reason to change it.
Councilperson Nevin Taylor asked when work would be able to begin. Vulic said architectural design would start within a few months, and construction would be dictated by market demand.
“We haven’t identified a firm date, but we’re hoping we can get it turned as soon as possible,” Vulic said.
City Manager Terry Emery complimented Elford Construction, citing its history with similar projects.
“You’re sitting in an (Elford) Construction building,” he said.
Council waived the legislation’s third reading. It will return Feb. 26 for its second and final reading, as well as public comment.
In other council news:
Emery reminded council this year’s State of the City event will take place Thursday at Marysville Early College High School. The address will start at 6 p.m., with a 15-minute video detailing the city’s progress and a panel with city officials taking questions.