Groundbreaking set for $280M mixed-use project in Michigan City
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Officials in Michigan City will break ground Friday on a $280 million mixed-use development that includes two new Wyndham-branded hotels, as well as residential and retail space with views of Lake Michigan.
SoLa, named for its location “South of the Lake,” will cover a total of 628,000 square feet of space and is billed as the largest development in the newly created Michigan City Transit Oriented Development District.
The project is being developed by YAB Development Partners, which says the development would have a major economic impact on the region to the tune of $680 million over 15 years.
SoLa is meant to take advantage of the $649 million South Shore Double Track project, which will add a second rail line between Gary and Michigan City, reducing commute times to Chicago by about 20 minutes.
The developers said this type of development is what state and local officials had in mind when envisioning the Double Track project, which is slated for completion next spring. Testing on the new line has already begun.
“When we set out to design the SoLa Development, we knew it had to be beautiful and state-of-the-art, reflecting the natural beauty of the lakeshore as well as the innovative nature of Michigan City itself,” YAB partner Barry Schain said in written remarks. “With the South Shore Line’s Double Track express line directly connecting Michigan City to Chicago, there is no better time to bring to life a development like SoLa that will benefit all who enjoy it.”
The 14-story, 255-room boutique hotels will feature the TRYP by Wyndham and Trademark Collection by Wyndham brands. A 15,000-square-foot swimming pool, rooftop lounge, fitness center and spa, and variety of restaurants, coffee shops and bars are included in the plans.
SoLa will also include a 14-story, 164-unit condominium tower that will primarily feature two- and three-bedroom units, and the building will include a community room with a kitchen and work-from-home amenities, among others.
Additionally, the residential offering will feature 17 duplexed townhomes on the development’s lake side. Owners of the condos and townhomes will also have access to various hotel amenities.
The project also includes a 396-space parking garage.
The developers estimate the hotels will see nearly 100,000 guests per year and the development will help generate $10 million in annual visitor and tourism dollars. The project is also expected to create nearly 300 permanent jobs and hundreds more seasonal positions with an estimated $18.4 million in annual gross wages.
In a September 2022 interview on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, YAB partner Tom Dakich said the goal is to keep people from simply driving through Michigan City.
“Everybody extolled the virtues of southwest Michigan as being the greatest place in the world,” he said. “And my point is, wait a minute here. Look at look at what’s going on in Michigan City. Look at the marina in Michigan City. Look at our whole LaPorte County area. It’s just as nice. It’s just isn’t as developed as a southwest Michigan.”
The project is slated for completion in Spring 2026.