Clarence Hulse, executive director of the Economic Development Corp. Michigan City, said the city is experiencing unprecedented growth. An estimated $1.3 billion was invested in the city in 2025, he said.
Hulse shared highlights of the EDCMC's 2025 annual report with the city's Common Council during its annual update in April. The EDCMC is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
“With the South Shore double-track renovations and the Franklin at 11th Street station mixed-used development propelling our momentum forward, we are tracking toward even more growth,” he said in a press release.
The train station opened last summer, along with the adjoining parking garage to be shared by residents, riders and shoppers. The $100 million-plus development by Flaherty & Collins is in the construction stage.
The report showed that 985,409 square feet of commercial space was either built or redeveloped in 2025. Key projects included:
- D. Martin Enterprises: $20 million
- Barker Mansion expansion: $10 million
- Chick-Fil-A: $6 million
- Qdoba: $6 million
- Paladin Center: $3.6 million
- Former Fifth Third building now Centier Bank: $2.8 million
- Arnett Construction: $2.5 million
- The Cellar Door: $1 million
“New places to eat are adding flavor to our community, including the renovated Cellar Door and Brew Box – both bringing new life to old spots,” Hulse said. “National favorites, such as Chick-Fil-A and Qdoba, have also found a home here in Michigan City.”
Housing and business parks were other areas of growth last year.
“From our new neighborhood at Woodland Ridge to the $44 million Tryon Meadow housing community and new projects on the horizon, we are striving to find the best balance for all of our residents to have housing options,” Hulse said.
Google also acquired the Project Maize data center site on 70 acres that formerly housed the ANCO windshield-wiper plant. The building at 402 Royal Road will be transformed from a former brownfield site into a data center. The site has been empty for 15 years.
“The $832 million investment of the Google data center, the former Federal Mogul Corp. building, paves the way for even more transformative paths that tackle brownfields,” Hulse said. “The $500,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will assist our city with further brownfield transformations in the next four years.”
But, Hulse said, the city will see many more opportunities to come.
“We are always looking to add additional housing, new businesses and high-wage jobs while we have an eye toward strengthening our entrepreneurial offerings,” Hulse said. “We look forward to announcing new projects this year as our economic development energy continues to fire up.”
View the full 2025 annual report here.
