More than $400 million in investment flows into Michigan City

Clarence Hulse, executive director of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in Indiana, said Michigan City is coming off an “amazing” year filled with high-profile megaprojects that have the potential to transform downtown and the entire community. Ta.

Developers are investing $100 million in the Franklin 11th Street Station project and plan to build more housing around the new South Shore Line station after the dual-track project shortens commute times to Chicago. . Other major projects include a $24.4 million renovation of the Blue Chip Casino, a $3 million relocation of Barn M Brewing, a $6 million Bay Logistics Warehouse, and a $3 million investment in the former Federal-Mogul wiper plant. , which includes the $280 million SoLa project downtown.

SoLa, short for “South of the Lake,” is home to two boutique hotels, a rooftop pool, fine dining, bars, retail, and luxury condos and townhomes.

The 14-story, 628,000-square-foot building features state-of-the-art contemporary architecture, including a donut-hole-like deck with Michigan views at the center of a super-chic glass façade.

“The really big project is the $280 million SoLa project next to City Hall,” said Don Babcock, a member of the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission. “Two Wyndham hotels and condominiums will be built near Lake Michigan. The 11th Street project will bring new apartment complexes near South Shore Station. Parking will also open soon. Downtown Those are the only two big hotels, and we also have smaller projects like Burn ‘Em Brewing moving to East Route 12 with Blue Chip Casino.”

Michigan City benefits from Indiana Dunes becoming the 61st national park and will benefit from the closure of the state prison and NIPSCO power plant, Babcock said.

“The community is coming together behind all these projects,” he said. “New investments are being made in fixing up real estate and painting houses. There’s a new government in place.”

A double-track project that will add a second rail line to speed up commutes to Chicago is nearing completion.

“That’s going to continue to gain momentum,” Babcock said. “There’s so much going on here, especially downtown. More visitors will come to explore, and that means new investment. Café Farina opened a few months ago That’s a great result. Barn M Brewing is moving from one end of town to another.” “It’s scheduled to be completed by Blue Chip Casino, and it should be completed by Valentine’s Day. We’re looking at future development on Pine Street and Sixth Street, and hopefully that will happen.”

All major projects have been in the works for years.

“Great plans take time to execute,” he says. “But more people see this as a pro-business state that is working together to revitalize the region as a region.”

Although some projects are years away, Hulse said they show Michigan City is a desirable location for investment.

“These show that communities can do these huge, monumental $100 million and $280 million projects,” he said. “These are huge projects, large mixed-use projects. This reflects our economic strategy as we seek to attract both new business and new talent.”

Michigan City is on the cover of Crain’s Chicago, which asks if it’s the next New Buffalo.

“They posted that headline as a warning to people who wanted to visit New Buffalo,” Babcock said. “But we want to be more than just a tourist city where people come for four months of the year. We want to be a vibrant city for all 12 months.”

In an article in The Crain, six developers were called to tour the Lake City site.

“Last year was great, really great,” he said. “We are very excited about 2024. We have new leadership, a new mayor and city council. The city will move forward. We live in a great community that welcomes development. I’m happy and grateful for that and I’m looking forward to Gangbuster 2024. The best is yet to come. ”