An underutilized warehouse at 201 South Rural Street will be transformed into an urban farm. Sustainable Local Foods (SLF) of Toledo, Ohio will repurpose 61,000 square feet into an organic hydroponic growing system. The efficiency of hydroponics, as compared to conventional farming, is such that one tenth of the water is used for growing, the water can be recycled, and hydroponic growing can yield upwards of 12 to 14 growing cycles per year.
Partners in the $1,281,000 project include the Englewood Community Development Corporation and the Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD), which awarded $500,000 in community development block grant funds for the project.
“Our community’s views and attitudes toward urban farming have evolved in recent years. The harsh distinctions that used to exist between urban areas and rural areas have softened,” said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. “A warehouse may seem like an unlikely location for major agricultural announcement, but the very nature of urban agriculture requires us to see things differently. I look forward to seeing this facility fully operational as one of the most agriculturally productive spaces in the city.”
On a per-square-foot basis, the new Sustainable Local Foods Indiana facility has the potential to grow more food than any other outdoor or indoor space throughout the City of Indianapolis. The tiered vertical growing systems will utilize an organic hydroponic process, proven successful and safe by SLF in Ohio, and already producing food found on the aisles of most major supermarkets there. Approximately one dozen local jobs are expected to be created by the project.
“Sustainable Local Foods-Indiana is excited to be able to work with the City of Indianapolis and Community Partners in advancing local production of year around, healthy produce,” said James Bloom, CEO of Local Sustainable Foods. “We look forward to being a part of the positive direction this city has undertaken to create healthy neighborhoods with healthy food, new jobs, and community revitalization. We are honored to be a recipient of the award.”
About Sustainable Local Foods
Sustainable Local Foods is an indoor, environmentally controlled facility established to meet the demand of hydroponic produce throughout our local community. It was founded to produce a quality, cost-efficient product while encouraging personal health and providing job opportunities. The company uses innovative food systems to employ green technologies in order to generate and sustain the maximum amount of energy while limiting our carbon footprint.
About Englewood Community Development Corp.
Formed in 1996 as an outgrowth of Englewood Christian Church, Englewood Community Development Corporation strives to nurture and embody “love of neighbor” in the areas of affordable housing, economic development and comprehensive community development on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis.
