An initiative to build a modern full-service multipurpose facility within the Leland Industrial Park is taking shape.

Pete Peterson, owner of Manufacturing Methods, is developing the facility, called The Leland Hub, on a 3-acre property next to his company's existing facility at 9244 Industrial Blvd. in Leland, according to Bruce Mancinelli, manager of special projects for Manufacturing Methods.

The Leland Hub is a planned 12,000-square-foot building with the intent for companies to utilize the space for light manufacturing and distribution, as well as office space and co-working spaces.

“The whole idea is not to just put up another building … it’s really designed to try and provide facilities that could make all tenants that much more effective and productive in the park,” Mancinelli said, who is also on the town of Leland's Economic Development Committee.

Flex space will be included in the design of the building and will be between 1,500 to 2,000 square feet with bay doors, private restrooms and temperature control. As tenants secure leases, there are options to create a larger space to suit the tenant, Mancinelli said.

“The Leland Hub is designed to be a flex space for light manufacturing and distribution – ideal for growing small-to-midsized companies,” Mancinelli said. “We also have leasable office space and we are going to also add an area for co-working office [space].”

The building will be a hub of ongoing seminars, continuing education programs and periodic activities for tenants and companies in the industrial park, who can use its conference room and public areas for private events, according to the website for The Leland Hub project. The facility is also planned to be built with smart apps and sensors throughout, controlling security cameras, lighting, temperature and building access around the clock.

A groundbreaking for the project has not yet been scheduled. However, discussions with potential tenants are ongoing, Mancinelli said. Plans are to start leasing by late summer.

"We want to make it so it's affordable," Mancinelli said of the lease rates, which have not been determined yet.

“We believe this is critical in the Leland Industrial Park to try to improve the level of services … for not just Manufacturing Methods, but all the tenants in the park,” Mancinelli said. “Clearly, when 2019 hits us … I would like to think we are actually running."

The town of Leland is pursuing annexation of the 3-acre parcel in the Leland Industrial Park, where the new building is planned to be constructed.

“This building, The Leland Hub, will be an integral part of an overall initiative by the town of Leland Economic Development Committee focused on improving the Leland Industrial Park, and the Hub is a good example of the type of new facilities we hope to begin seeing that are suitable for high-tech manufacturing and distribution companies,” said Gary Vidmar, economic and community development director for the town of Leland.

That overall initiative involves an effort by the town of Leland Economic Development Committee to support businesses and property owners within the park and improve the marketability of the park, he said.

The town is waiting for a signed annexation agreement between Leland and the town of Navassa, which is scheduled for a vote by Navassa Town Council this Thursday, Vidmar said.

Once Navassa has signed the agreement, Vidmar said the town can take the final step to formally annex the property.