I-65 Corridor

The Power of Investment

Interstate 65 is a major north–south highway that stretches from Mobile, Alabama, to Gary, Indiana. Over the past decade, I-65 has rapidly transformed into a powerhouse of commercial real estate investment, thanks to its strategic location and direct access to major U.S. hubs. From Louisville to Nashville, and further south through Birmingham to Montgomery, industrial parks and business developments have sprung up in large numbers.

One area in particular stands out: a small corridor just northwest of Indianapolis, Indiana, stretching from Lebanon to Whitestown. Fueled by Eli Lilly’s landmark investment in the LEAP District, this region is redefining its economic identity—attracting a wave of advanced manufacturing, logistics, and supporting industries to what was once a quiet, rural farm region.

At the center of this momentum is Lilly’s $13 billion pledge, which has already spurred nearly $1 billion in development as of early 2025. The ripple effects are clear: major players including SHEIN, Caterpillar, Lacrosse Footwear, and Amazon have collectively secured more than 2.5 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space since 2023. These projects are not isolated wins, they are part of a coordinated surge reshaping the corridor’s employment base and infrastructure.

Job growth across key sectors underscores the corridor’s vitality. Between 2020 and 2025, life sciences occupations nearly doubled, while production and warehousing occupations rose by 23.1% and 46.8%, respectively. Projections for 2030 show continued expansion, with total employment expected to climb another 12.8%. This growth is supported by a robust talent pipeline, with Purdue University and IU School of Medicine within an hour’s reach, ensuring a steady flow of skilled labor.

Strategically located, the corridor offers unmatched connectivity. Over 86,000 vehicles traverse I-65 daily, and the region’s proximity to major Midwest cities—Indianapolis, Chicago, Detroit, and Louisville—positions it for same-day reach to millions of consumers and suppliers.

Residential and population growth are keeping pace. The corridor’s population is projected to rise by over 20% between 2020 and 2029. This surge is matched by a robust development pipeline, with construction activity and leasing volumes accelerating year-over-year.

Together, these trends paint a compelling picture: the I-65 Corridor is no longer just a transit route, it is a destination. With strategic investments, a growing workforce, and expanding infrastructure, the region is poised to become a model for integrated industrial and community development. What was once a quiet stretch of highway is now a thriving engine of innovation, opportunity, and growth.