Once housing equipment to make honing stones and machine shop tooling, the 24,562-square-foot facility is now a thriving hub for advancements in IoT technology. Fishers, home to the state’s first Internet of Things lab, is driving innovation across Indiana’s key industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics. The goal is to bring the emerging IoT sector together with these industries for innovation and collaboration. Within the Indiana IoT Lab, entrepreneurs and businesses will have the space they need to bring the four key components of IoT solutions together: ideation, cloud data, edge hardware, and development.

Indianapolis, Indiana, Bottleworks District
From its founding in 1920, the Indianapolis Coca-Cola bottling plant was one of the showplaces of American industry, recognized for both beauty of design and efficiency of equipment. The plant was said to be the largest bottling plant in the world, producing 2.4 million bottles of Coca-Cola per week. The plant was sold to the Indianapolis public schools in 1969 and remained in their control until they sold to Hendricks Commercial in late 2017. Hendricks will be creating a $300 million, mixed-use development on the already “hot” cultural district, Massachusetts Ave — a perfect fusion of past and present encompassing 12 acres of robust arts, culture, industrial architecture, entertainment, eateries, residences, shopping, and one-of-a-kind progressive office space.

Cleveland Aquarium

Originally named Powerhouse, the now known Cleveland icon once served the purpose of managing and controlling electric streetcars and railways. The power plant was the first of its kind for the city and expanded in 1901 due do its initial demand. But, like so many other industrial areas, with the rise of innovation (in this case automobiles), the Powerhouse no longer served a purpose and closed its doors following the “Roaring 20s.” After remaining dormant for nearly a quarter of a century, the building found new purpose by re-opening its doors in 2012 as the Cleveland Aquarium, housing aquatic wildlife ranging from sharks to jellyfish.

Fort Wayne, Indiana, Electric Works

Rather than letting a large, viable space sit and rot for years to come, innovation from within is what will attract new talent and industry to a not-yet-forgotten manufacturing city. The abandoned GE factory in Fort Wayne, Indiana, that at one time employed almost 40 percent of the city’s workforce has found a new purpose. Converted loft apartments, incubator startup office spaces, and a food hall are just the tip of the iceberg with this building. Fort Wayne has lofty aspirations to transform and rejuvenate the city of 260,000, since it has seen a decline in population and stagnant wages ever since manufacturing jobs left in 1980s. In addition to the city’s initial plans, coffee shops, condominiums, and farm-to-table dining options have been added into the downtown area. According to The Wall Street Journal, with the inclusion and re-invention of the GE plant, Fort Wayne’s population has grown by 14 percent from 2000 to 2017.

Detroit Foundation Hotel

Built in 1929, the former Detroit Fire Department facility closed its doors and moved to a new location in 2013, according to Crain’s Detroit Business. In a five-year renovation project, the building was transformed into creative space that is seen as a hangout for locals and out-of-town guests. The hotel not only created jobs, but also highlights and supports local businesses and artists. In fact, hundreds of Detroit-area businesses and artists were involved in the creation of the hotel. The hotel lobby showcases a small retail showroom, where guests and local residents can find clothing created by local retailers. Each room also provides items for purchase from other local vendors, varying from snacks to keepsakes. While the guest gets his or her fill of Detroit history within the halls, they also have access to complimentary use of Detroit-based Detroit Bikes LLC, allowing them to capture a real sense of the city.

While the Rust Belt has seen dramatic change over the decades, the Midwest States are bringing innovation and creativity closer to home — while using their traditional roots to do so. As a result of this kind of creative thinking and innovation, these Rust Belt towns will once again find new life as booming metros that can rival any coastal city.