Michigan City brought in an estimated $1.3 billion in capital investment last year, according to Economic Development Corp. Michigan City's annual report.
The economic development agency reported 985,409 commercial square feet that were added or redeveloped last year. Michigan City saw 10 major redevelopment projects, 6 expansions or relocations and 10 new business openings.
Businesses created 967 new jobs and retained 109 jobs through major projects.
“Breaking through stagnation and complacency is not meant to be comfortable. This uncomfortable zone — that brings about uneasiness and awkwardness — is where we can find the motivation and vision to take our city to new heights," Executive Director Clarence Hulse said. "While innovation may be seen as a buzzword that is thrown around to describe anything new and unique, it is truly a direction that Michigan City has been working toward for years and continues to follow with new ideas, economic development approaches and ingenious mindsets."
The biggest project was the $800 million data center Phoenix Investors is building at the former Anco windshield wiper plant. But developers also are building 2,000 new housing units over the next five years, including $300,000 homes in Woodland Ridge. It's the first major new subdivision in Michigan City in 50 years, Hulse said.
The Singing Sands Suites, Tyron Meadow and Project Wabash will bring more affordable worker housing, giving residents more options of where they can live, Hulse said.
The new South Shore Line 11th Street Station and double track project are helping drive demand for housing downtown, Hulse said.
"The designation is bringing to life our downtown and shifting our downtown boundaries to allow for even more growth. A thriving downtown spices up the flavor of any community and creates the sparks of needed innovation and creativity," he said. "We have already seen two transformative projects in the shadow of the new train station add a new side to our downtown. The Cellar Door has transformed the historic building into a special spot for eating and drinking brought to life by friends who have a passion for mixing vintage and charm. The Brew Box has converted a small space — that has been a diner and barber shop — into a fresh spot for coffee and pastries. We love that this old building has been given new life and a new purpose."
Developers are also bringing in major business parks.
"With two new business parks in the works, we expect to see a surge in businesses expanding and relocating here, bringing more jobs and developments," Hulse said. "The planned Aldridge Building will provide a Class A facility to attract a variety of businesses that require warehouse, light manufacturing/ assembly, showroom and support office space. Tailwind Business Park would include a new public roadway, utility extensions and development of 11 flex/industrial business park buildings totaling approximately 132,000 square feet.
Hulse is bullish about Michigan City's continued growth.
"We may face more growing pains in 2026 with our nod toward innovation, but our community is poised to enter a fresh phase of synergy, energy, momentum and positivity that is backed by valuable partnerships, visionary leaders and vibrant perspectives," Hulse said. "We look forward to traveling an innovative path with our community."
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