The recent groundbreaking ceremony for the SoLa – South of the Lake – mixed-use development united community leaders and change makers at the former You Are Beautiful art installation site.
At the corner of Michigan Boulevard and Franklin Street, the $280M SoLa Development will feature two boutique hotels, a wide variety of residences, including townhomes, destination food and beverage, plus parking that is hidden from view, all just steps from the beach, zoo and Washington Park.
Named for its location South of the Lake, it is the largest development in the Michigan City Transit Oriented Development District created as an important part of doubletracking of the South Shore Rail Line.
The vision is for SoLa is also to be a meetup spot for not only hotel guests and residents, but also the community at large with a spotlight on art.
“As our city leaders look toward how people want to live, work, play and visit Michigan City, we are embracing spaces that have a multitude of amenities and offerings available to bring our friends, families and neighbors together to enjoy the natural resources here in our corner of the world,” said Clarence Hulse, Executive Director, Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City. “We will continue to enthusiastically pursue these types of projects, concepts and ideas that will unite artistic elements, natural beauty and vibrant spaces to allow us to spend time together in new and meaningful ways.”
YAB Development Partners will develop and oversee all aspects of the project. The group was formed by: Decennial Group Co-Founder and Managing Principal Scott Goodman; Indiana attorney and tech-entrepreneur Tom Dakich; real estate entrepreneur Barry Schain; real estate developers Rob Harte and Alan Schachtman; and hotel consultants Elliott Estes and Michael Blank.
“I always knew Michigan City was a gem. It has a storied history, so much going on here and a vibrant economic engine,” said Scott Goodman, founding principal of Farpoint Development/Decennial Group. “It’s time for that again.
“I look out here at the ‘You are Beautiful’ sign … Michigan City: You are beautiful. I am so happy we are getting going on this, and the turnout today is heartwarming.”
SoLa will be home to TRYP by Wyndham and Trademark Collection by Wyndham hotels, luxury residences, restaurants, retail spaces and outdoor areas.
Highlights:
• Hotels: The 14-story, 255-key dual-brand hotels will offer guests a variety of lodging options with views of Lake Michigan, the National Park and the Chicago Skyline beyond. Amenities will include a 15,000 square-foot resort-style swimming pool and deck area, fitness center and spa.
• Residences: The south and west ends of SoLa will be home to a 14-story condominium tower with 164 units, primarily two- and three-bedroom units.
• Outdoor Space: The crown jewel of SoLa will be its fourth-floor amenity level, a massive four-season space that will capture one-of-a-kind Harbor and Lake Michigan views. The space will feature club-like amenities with a variety of outdoor seating areas, pool and hot tub with a retractable roof and open landscaped areas for summer and winter outdoor activities. It will provide access to dining options and space for community events, art shows, outdoor movies and performances.
• Retail: The hotel will have a rooftop lounge and restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an additional commercial space to be occupied by to-be-determined complimentary retailers and restaurants.
• Parking: The 396-space interior garage parking will serve all of SoLa’s lodging, residential and retail facilities