Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch showcased the city's economic progress during a recent power breakfast.
In 2024, Michigan City saw $113 million in investment. The city has also retained a Chicago-based developer for a $200 million downtown project that will include about 500 apartments and a grocery store.
Michigan City selected DAC Development to develop a site that includes the former Memorial Hospital site at 5th and Pine Street. It will be located near the South Shore Line's new train station.
The city has seen multiple downtown high-rise projects and housing developments. The new developments could bring an additional 5,000 to 8,000 new residents to the city, Nelson Deuitch said.
“The goal of the city is to focus on infill housing,” Nelson Deuitch said. “Also, when we do some of the developments, we're taking some of the proceeds and putting them into a fund for affordable housing. The goal is to build a bank of money to assist in developing affordable housing.”
Michigan City is also redeveloping the Indiana State Prison site and soliciting feedback from residents.
“I met with a group of juniors and seniors last week and they want drive-in theaters, waterparks and Sky Zones,” Nelson Deuitch said. “They wanted entertainment. They wanted pet-friendly apartments and a closed-in mall. A lot of good feedback from the young people.”
Michigan City wants to include retail in new housing developments such as grocery stores and daycares to meet community needs. The city is also focused on neighborhood beautification.
“I think it's important that people realize we're focused on the lakefront and the north end, but we're also focused on you. I think that's the biggest message I want to get across,” Nelson Deuitch said. “I want developers to know that too. My expectation is that if you're going to be here and play here, you're going to support organizations here and be a good corporate citizen and not just come in, do what you do and leave.”
