(Michigan City, IN) - A candidate for mayor in Michigan City is proposing the Marquette Mall be torn down and replaced with recreational center.

 

Ron Meer said the current owner, judging from his talks with him, is interested in selling the property. Meer's vision is a recreational center for youth and families, but feedback from the community would help shape what’s offered, which could range from basketball and volleyball to a public swimming pool.

 

He said a developer would have to be involved to cover such an investment with help from the city.

 

Meer said the city could use money generated by increases in the tax valuation of the property from the development and also riverboat funds.   He said a monetary contribution from the state and federal governments would also be possibilities.

 

“I think it makes it very appealing and appetizing for an investor to look at this,” he said.

 

Meer was mayor when the city helped redeveloped the Dunes Plaza, which now features stores such as Kohl’s and T.J. Maxx.

 

“During my administration, we brought the Dunes Plaza back to life.  The redevelopment of the Marquette Mall campus is also a prime opportunity for Michigan City to form a public and private sector partnership,” he said.

 

Meer said a recreational center would help fight crime by taking youth off the streets and generate traffic for businesses now existing outside the mall such as Buffalo Wild Wings.