A similar resort-style development was proposed for the same location northeast of Exit 19 about 10 years ago, Henderson said. It allegedly had the backing of the Disney Company, but Henderson thinks a developer pushed the project without any major funding source and so the highly anticipated project eventually died.

“This was going to be a wonderful addition to the town, and we were going to have Mickey Mouse ears on the water tower,” Henderson said.

But Pendleton has attracted what he called “good corporate partners” like Atlas Cold Storage, Tractor Supply Company and South Madison Community Schools.

The school corporation moved into a building vacated by a racing company in 2005.

“Our office is here just by good fortune,” said Superintendent Thomas Warmke. “It was a bargain that we couldn’t turn down.”

The corporation paid less than $1.9 million for a 10-acre site that includes an office building and bus garage, Warmke said.

Administrators had previously worked out of the middle school, and Warmke said being slightly separated from the school buildings had not caused any problems.

Plus, he said it’s nice to be part of such a dynamic development area.

“The more business that comes in to this business area here means more assessed evaluation, and we think that’s a good thing,” Warmke said.

Properties located at Exit 19 include the following:

Atlas Cold Storage, Burger King, Downing’s Old Trail Bar and Grill, Fall Creek Play School, Madison Masonic Lodge 44, McDonald’s, Pendleton Place Apartments, Pine Lakes fishing and camping site, Remy International, Ricker’s, South Madison School Corporation administrative offices, St. Vincent Health, Subway, Tractor Supply Distribution Center.