It was recently announced that BrightFarms Inc. is building a 100,000 square foot greenhouse farm in Indianapolis. The state-of-the-art, hydroponic greenhouse will be built in partnership with the Westside Community Development Corp. (WCDC) and Marsh Supermarkets.
The farm will grow up to 1 million pounds of local produce per year, including tomatoes, lettuces and herbs, further advancing the redevelopment of the Near West neighborhood by strengthening the local economy and dramatically increasing local food production.
Led by WCDC, the Michigan Street Corridor has become a redevelopment hub, connecting commercial revitalization to residents of the community. BrightFarms joins five new businesses, locating in this section of Near West Indianapolis. The nearly 5-acre parcel of land on which the farm will be built, at 2219 W. Michigan St., has been vacant since 1996.
BrightFarms builds greenhouses at or near supermarkets, growing a meaningful supply of fresh, healthy, local produce on a year-round basis. The company is dedicated to improving the health of the planet by growing sustainably and to the health of society by increasing access to fresh produce.
Marsh Supermarkets, which operates 97 Supermarkets throughout Indiana and Ohio, will be the exclusive retail partner for the Indianapolis greenhouse. The 100,000 square foot greenhouse, slated to be completed in 2014, will create up to 25 green collar jobs and grow millions of pounds of produce that conserves natural resources and is thousands of miles fresher for Marsh customers and local community organizations.
