LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – One of the largest 5K races in southern Indiana takes place underground.
The Marengo Underground Warehouse is unique to Marengo, Indiana because it also offers storage for non-hazardous materials and serves as a distribution center.
“We hold meals for different states. Like if you look right here, it’s the state of Texas. We have Indiana Homeland Security,” Volter Duarte, co-manager of the warehouse said.
Commercial Energy Meals fills up this 100,000-square foot warehouse.
“We are the first response for hurricane relief,” Duarte said.
Nearly 150-feet of rock separates the underground warehouse and Marengo. The temperature stays between 50 to 60 degrees.
There are 14 warehouses, some store frozen fruit, Firestone Tires and many hold military’s ready to eat meals.
"In emergency situations, we have to act very quickly so we have to have space and get as many trucks in and out as fast as possible," Duarte said.
Four million square feet extend under Marengo, only 1.4 million has been developed.
"All the blank ones is the area to develop new warehouses."
In the 1800's this area was a Limestone Quarry.
"They'd blast the rock, take the limestone out and leave those support pillars in," Duarte said.
The Venturi family turned it into Warehouses and continue to own them. In addition to keeping items safe, they also are part of the 6th annual Underground Run. People come from 19 different states.
It starts at the Middle School and goes into the old quarry, eventually ending above ground.
Taking a break from the heat and taking in the massive 20 to 30-foot tunnels.
Duarte says if you're looking for a warehouse, it takes around 60 to 90 days to make one.
They've also held conventions and dinners down here.
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