IN: EDCMC, City of Michigan City Secure 426 Acres for Future Development

Approximately 426 acres of land in Northwestern La Porte County is now available for continued economic development.

The parcels of property within the newly-annexed area – between Menke Road, I-94 and U.S. 20 are owned by Oehmstead Co., Green Acres, Pioneer Lumber, MHP 1, LLC, Illinois Indiana Development Co. and Cemetery Regents of the City of Michigan City, Indiana. All six entities voluntarily petitioned the city for annexation as a means of gaining access to city services, including sewer and water.

The acreage runs along U.S. Highways 35 and 20 as well as Interstate 94. Due to its proximity to regional roadways, the land is most suited for manufacturing buyers including large distribution/warehouse/logistics businesses. Air transportation is conveniently located down the street with access to the South Shore, or NICTD, railroad.

Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer said, “As the Mayor, I believe it is paramount that our goal is to make Michigan City, and in this particular case, this property, attractive and ‘shovel ready’ for potential investors and developers. The city engaged in a friendly annexation of this property and plans to invest in the area with water and sewer infrastructure. With its ideal location and proximity to rail spur, I-94 and I-90, I believe this property provides an excellent opportunity for a manufacturer or investor to utilize and develop. Ultimately, everything we have done here is the foundation on which economic and job growth can be built to benefit our community.”

Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC) Executive Director, Clarence Hulse, described the property as “geographically perfect.” “It’s all about the location,” Hulse said. “This is premium, large acreage available for sale for advanced manufacturing, logistical-type businesses in the Michigan City area.”

There are additional sites available for retail, commercial, hotel and office space. Potential uses also include residential such as an executive style home subdivision and multi-family development. All ideas are currently in the concept phase with potential developers and the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana working together.

“My administration is fully committed to attracting high paying jobs and more economic investment for Michigan City residents” Meer said. “This is big news for Michigan City as it opens up the area for future development, and it has taken quite a while to get to this point. I’d like to personally thank all the hard-working people involved that helped make this happen.”

This annexation is a direct result of the EDCMC Strategic Action Plan created 5 years ago to target potential sites in the area available for further improvement.

“In the past, we might have had to turn prospective companies away from growth and expansion because we just weren’t ready with available land,” Hulse said. “But now, we can use this acreage to market our city as a place for employers to turn their dreams into realities.”

For more information on additional industrial sites and buildings available for development in the Michigan City area, visit www.edcmc.com.

Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana (EDCMC) is committed to growing and attracting new industry and business to the community as well as strengthening existing business. The EDCMC exists to develop and implement seamless policies, procedures and programs for economic and community development that drive systemic and long-term viability through collaboration and consensus with our stakeholders and community resources. The services, programs, and one-on-one assistance provided by the EDCMC create the optimum business environment — a place where commerce and industry can prosper and grow. EDCMC merges the right mix of resources, including: city government officials, residents and the expertise of business leaders. Exclusive incentive packages and unique natural resources make Michigan City the place to build or expand. For more information, call (219) 873-1211 or visit www.edcmc.com.