(Michigan City, IN) - A developer has been chosen for a new residential and retail investment projected at $200 million in Michigan City’s downtown area.
DAC Development out of Chicago was awarded the contract by the city, which owns the 1.5 acre site at 5th and Pine streets. The plans call for construction of 500 or more multi-level apartments and a grocery store.
Clarence Hulse, Director of the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, said the city insisted a grocery store be included in the development since there is no such facility right now in that area.
Hulse said the city owns the property, which was cleared a number of years ago for redevelopment.
“The north side is considered a food desert. We wanted to ensure that whatever happens there we have a guaranteed grocery store as part of the mix,” he said.
Michigan City native, Greg Klosowski, was assigned to be the architect for the building.
DAC Development, whose previous work includes skyscraper construction in Chicago, was chosen from four finalists described by Hulse as all “high level” developers. Initially, there were nine applicants for the job.
Hulse credited the amount of interest in the project to the potential investors now see in the community now enjoying the beginnings of a rebirth in the downtown area.
A 12 story residential tower is currently under construction at the new South Shore Commuter Line train station on Franklin St.
Construction of two similar sized towers to contain hotel rooms and condominiums along U.S. 12 next to City Hall is expected to begin in the summer.
The catalyst for all of the new investment is considered to be the recent improvements to the South Shore Commuter line reducing one way trips to and from Chicago by about 30 minutes.
That combined with the lakefront and other existing offerings such as Blue Chip Casino, Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets Mall, nearby Indiana Dunes National Park and the Downtown Arts District seemed to tip the scale in the city’s favor.
“We have been discovered,” Hulse said.
He said it’ll take about two years to perform all of the preliminary work necessary before construction can start on the housing and grocery store development.
