MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – The estimated $150 million “You Are Beautiful” mixed-use multi-family development project aims to add new life and art to the area of West Michigan Boulevard near City Hall.
The location, current home to the Matthew Hoffman “You Are Beautiful” movable art installation, once housed the Police Department and former News Dispatch buildings before being torn down in 2017.
“We see this project as a perfect opportunity to incorporate art, tourism, amenities and residential, all in one place,” said Scott Goodman, founding principal of Farpoint Development/Decennial Group. “The multi-family residential building and a hotel will wrap around the parking structure and have areas for outdoor dining, rooftop amenities and upper units with Lake Michigan views.”
Plans for the project include: a boutique hotel with eight stories and 180 rooms, seven stories of multi-family living with 150 units, a parking structure with 324 spaces, rooftop hotel terrace and pool, space for restaurants and cafés and plazas to exhibit future Sculptfusion works of art.
Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry stated, “The beauty of this project is that it brings together public spaces with enhanced architecture and artistic elements to enhance the vibrant energy of downtown.
“We continue to work toward projects that not only build up our city’s offerings to visitors and community members alike, but also strengthen our economic development surge.”
“The YAB movable art installation was brought to the city in 2017 as a way to inspire community members and guests with a simple, but uplifting message that is broadcast in six-foot tall blue steel letters,” added Linda Simmons, Economic Development Corporation Michigan City Chairperson and director of marketing at Visit Michigan City LaPorte. “This is a great example of economic development and tourism working together to improve the community with developments that support common goals.”
The YAB project is expected to bring 119 construction jobs, 167 permanent jobs and more than 65,000 expected annual guests within walking distance of the beaches, downtown restaurants and businesses.
“We are looking toward fall of 2022 to really see this transformative project get off the ground,” said EDCMC Executive Director Clarence Hulse. “We continue to work with city leaders and the Redevelopment Commission to bring dynamic initiatives and projects to our downtown and beyond.”