The community is encouraged to offer input on the reimagining of the Indiana State Prison site at a meeting Jan. 22.

The event will outline the process of transforming the site. The meeting provides an opportunity for a conversation on design, connectivity, economic development, community and land use.

“Giving community members a voice is vital to this extensive process and the future of the site,” Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said in a press release. “We are at the initial stages of discussing what this can mean for our city.”

Clarence Hulse, EDCMC executive director, said holding a public meeting is one essential component of the reimagining process.

“We have an advisory council comprised of community leaders as well as our team of experts to take on the analysis, planning, design and development of a master plan,” Hulse said.

Participants can submit questions before the meeting on the developing website.

In December, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a letter of intent along with Nelson Deuitch to indicate the state will transfer ownership of the Indiana State Prison site to the city of Michigan by Jan. 1, 2029.

Also in 2024, a collection of industry leaders was approved to develop a master plan and design. Farr Associates, Terra Engineering, McKenna, Zimmerman-Volk Associates and Sam Schwartz are analyzing, designing and presenting recommendations for the property. The planning process will continue through the fall.

The Indiana Department of Correction announced in August 2023, that the prison would close after the completion of a new 4,200 bed facility on the Westville Correctional Facility campus. The new prison will replace both facilities.

The Economic Development Corp. Michigan City received READI 1.0 funds to study the reuse of the site. The Regional Acceleration and Development Initiative program is funding initiatives and projects throughout the state.

The public meeting will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Michigan City H.O.P.E. Community Center, 222 McClelland Ave.