Public invited to weigh in on Indiana State Prison redevelopment

Michigan City residents are invited to share their ideas for redeveloping the historic Indiana State Prison site. A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 22, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Michigan City H.O.P.E. Community Center, as reported by NWI.com

The 165-year-old prison, slated to close in 2027, will be replaced by a new $1.2 billion facility in Westville. Michigan City plans to transform the 100-acre site into a mixed-use development that could include housing, raise property values, and attract investments to the city’s west side. Consultants are crafting a master plan with input from professionals in architecture, urban design, and housing development, alongside public feedback.

Key redevelopment priorities include land use, economic development, community connectivity, and preserving elements of the prison’s historical architecture. The city envisions a residential neighborhood featuring single-family and multi-family homes as part of the transformation.

The prison’s closure is seen as an opportunity to reverse its impact on property values and safety concerns. A final redevelopment strategy is expected by 2025.