Murphy said Gale Tschour Construction has built a 60,000-square-foot spec building hoping to lure businesses not interested in going through the entire construction process. “It’s a building that they’ve completed all the walls and gone ahead and put truck docks in. The interior is not finished out and a company that’s looking at potential locations will first look at communities with existing buildings,” Murphy said. “The hope is that having that building there will eventually attract a company there.”

Delaware County lured Brevini to Park One and beat out Anderson’s best efforts by offering $1.425 million in local economic development income tax funds, $1.6 million in tax increment financing and $1.9 million in infrastructure improvements, including a rail improvement.

The state added another $3.9 million in Hoosier business investment tax credits, $300,000 in job training assistance with a partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, and infrastructure development assistance.

Besides Brevini

Outside of the park, two gas stations appear to be the only other businesses at the exit, but tucked away on the west side of the interchange, familiar yellow trucks are lined up.

The Rental Store offers a collection of CAT supplies and equipment for rent.

Motorists must travel six miles east to Muncie to find hotels, restaurants and retail outlets, but turning west brings travelers to the heart of northern Madison County.

Just five miles west of the exit, Indiana 9 intersects, leading the way to Alexandria and Elwood while motorists continuing along East 800 North will find themselves headed for Frankton.

Alexandria Mayor Jack Woods said the exit does have an impact on the town’s economy. “Even though we’re 5.5 miles from the interstate, any time you have an entrance or exit from the interstate, that’s a viable asset to the community. That’s what your businesses look for, to see how easy and accessible it is.”

Alexandria resident John Dockrey said the exit has always been crucial to his travel. “That’s a straight shot to Muncie from Alexandria. I never go any other direction but that to 69. From Alex, that is the natural progression, to go south to Indy.”

Rob Sparks, director of the Corporation for Economic Development in Madison County, said the county recently finished a study exploring the various interchanges, including the most overlooked, Exit 41.

The study was designed to help county officials determine what assets they have to lure potential development. A study in infrastructure and utilities went hand in hand with soil composition, water sheds and zoning.

Sparks said the results of the study are not yet released for Exit 41.

He remains optimistic. “It’s got untapped potential.”

The industrial park, Sparks said, is an underestimated resource that will benefit Madison County despite its placement on the Delaware County side of 69. The study, he said, will help Madison County officials market the exit, something that’s long overdue. “It’s not developed and it’s not being marketed well.”