Michigan City is seeing unprecedented growth with $1.3 billion estimated capital investment in 2025, said Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse during the EDCMC’s annual update to the Michigan City Common Council.
“Our city is marking a 4-year trend of impactful projects that have totaled $2 billion in estimated capital,” Hulse said. “With the South Shore Double Track renovations and the Franklin at 11th Street Station mixed-used development propelling our momentum forward, we are tracking toward even more growth.”
Projects launched or completed in 2025 ranged from manufacturing and retail to commercial and restaurants in every corner of the city. 985,409 commercial square feet were added or redeveloped in 2025 along with 10 redevelopment projects, 10 business openings and six expansion or relocations.
Key projects in 2025 and their estimated capital investment include: D. Martin Enterprises $20 million, Barker Mansion expansion $10 million, Chick-Fil-A $6 million, Qdoba $6 million, Paladin Center $3.6 million, former Fifth Third building now Centier Bank $2.8 million, Arnett Construction $2.5 million and the Cellar Door $1 million.
“New places to eat are adding flavor to our community, including the renovated Cellar Door and Brew Box – both bringing new life to old spots,” Hulse said. “National favorites, such as Chick-Fil-A and Qdoba, have also found a home here in Michigan City.”
2025 also saw a boon in business parks development and housing, Hulse said.
Tailwind Business Parks provide more space for future growth in the industrial arena and a spotlight on high-wage jobs. A new roadway is also part of the project. Over the next five years, there are 2,000 units under construction or permitted as housing remains a focus.
“From our new neighborhood at Woodland Ridge to the $44 million Tryon Meadow housing community and new projects on the horizon, we are striving to find the best balance for all of our residents to have housing options,” Hulse said.
The Moore’s initial phase is wrapping up as the $8 million maintenance-free community is set to welcome new residents. Future housing projects are taking root including the $200 million mixed-use multifamily project at 5th & Pine and the $21 million project at 7th and Wabash that is set to bring market-rate and workforce apartments.
The recent announcement of Google acquiring the data center continues the story of Michigan City looking toward innovative economic development options and taking on the transformation of a Brownfield site, Hulse said.
“The $832 million investment of the Google Data Center, the former Federal Mogul Corp. building, paves the way for even more transformative paths that tackle Brownfields,” Hulse said. “The $500,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will assist our city with further brownfield transformations in the next four years.”
As the Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City is marking 30 years in 2026, there remains both opportunities to embrace and challenges to face, Hulse said.
“We are always looking to add additional housing, new businesses and high-wage jobs while we have an eye toward strengthening our entrepreneurial offerings,” Hulse said. “We look forward to announcing new projects this year as our economic development energy continues to fire up.”