A new multi-unit retail center that is under construction on Seymour’s east side at 449 Cottonwood Drive adjacent to Culver’s has some residents questioning the lack of business on the west side of the city.

The center will comprise two 1,800-square-foot retail spaces with a lease already in place for one space. Due to a nondisclosure agreement, details related to tenancy cannot be disclosed with the exception that it’s a nationally known brand.

The project is currently being developed by a local developer, TDAK Development, which also operates multiple retail centers in town, including the PetSense Center and West Towne Plaza.

Rob Millman of Millman Realty Partners in Seymour noted base rental rates for the retail centers range from $13 per square foot to $30 depending upon age of construction, landlord’s work and tenant buildout.

Local residents have commented on the lack of retail lease space and businesses on the west side of Seymour; however, Millman said there are multiple spaces for those seeking a leasing space in Seymour.

Currently, there is space available on the west side at West Towne Plaza, Tipton Crossing and 1501 W. Tipton St.

“Seymour is a great place to do business with over 25,000 residents within a 7-minute driving radius of the downtown business district,” Millman said. “With the bustling interstate, Jackson County has grown immensely, bringing both small and commercial business to this small town.”

According to 2021 statistics from Indiana Economic Development Corp., the Seymour had a labor force of 11,002 with 11.29% making up the sales occupation.

The corporation also reported in 2021 a total of 1,514 establishments in Jackson County with 1,036 those in Seymour.

Thirty-nine of those establishments are restaurants, making up a little more than 3% of the total establishments in Seymour. Other food services include 25 establishments in the city.

These food services are more clustered to the east side of Seymour due to the frequent traffic of the interstate, leaving the west side with more vacancies for business opportunities.

Dan Robison, director of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, said there is a difference in what attracts businesses to the east side than from what attracts to the west.

“When Interstate 65 was built in the 1960s, it was plotted well east of Seymour, which created a magnet for businesses wanting to easily connect with interstate motorists,” Robison said. “Business expansion started around the interstate and then grew back to what was then the east side of Seymour.”

Robison said most of the chain businesses that have settled on the east side are still drawn to serve the travelers who drive on I-65.

“On the other hand, the west side tends to attract businesses that are more local and focused on serving residents of Seymour than motorists on the interstate,” he said.

Robison said while none of this is terribly scientific and does not clearly define these two business approaches, it is something that tends to happen naturally.

The chamber works to be a membership organization connecting with businesses to grow Jackson County. Robison believes where businesses would operate really depends on the type of business model.

He said for businesses that strive to serve people who pass through Seymour or are staying in one of the hotels for a short stay, they would likely gravitate toward the east side.

A business that is based to be more integrated in the community would likely gravitate toward the west side of the city.

With the construction of this new retail center and the ongoing construction of two chain restaurants, Dunkin’ Donuts and McAlister’s Deli, the east side continues to grow, attracting both residents and outsiders.

Robison said most of the chamber’s work on the west side of Seymour is with local or regional businesses looking to plant their roots in Seymour.

With current construction on the Burkart Boulevard south bypass, he believes the west side will grow.

“As the south Burkart bypass is completed, we will see a surge of businesses wanting to build or expand on the west end,” he said.