A blended team is paving the way for the redevelopment of the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City.
The team includes architecture, urban design, transportation, planning and housing development professionals. Farr Associates, Terra Engineering, McKenna, Zimmerman-Volk Associates and Sam Schwartz will analyze, develop, plan, design and present recommendations for the property.
“The extensive scope of the State Prison redevelopment project needs a strong foundation of expertise to best pinpoint the optimal strategy for this amazing opportunity for our city,” Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said in a press release.
The team will analyze assets, opportunities, transportation and site utilization. Team members will design alternatives for the vacant site and engage the public and stakeholders. They are expected to deliver a final strategy playbook in late 2025.
“The decision to relocate the Indiana State Prison and redevelop the site creates a huge economic development opportunity for the city of Michigan City,” said Doug Farr, Farr Associates founder. “The redevelopment of a 19th century state prison is a far more complicated process that requires coordinated leadership from the State of Indiana and the city of Michigan City.”
Nelson Deuitch said input from the community is essential.
“We will hold public workshops devoted to brainstorming, design, and developing a final plan,” Nelson Deuitch said. “The face-to-face process will be complemented with virtual meeting options and supported by a project website.”
Having a thoroughly analyzed and immersive strategy is key to the successful transformation of the site, Clarence Hulse, Economic Development Corp. Michigan City executive director, said.
“Taking the process step by step is essential to having a master plan and design to create something significant out of the ashes of this challenge,” Hulse said. “We will turn the closure of the prison into an opportunity to spark vitality and vibrancy for our community.”
The Indiana Department of Correction announced in August 2023 that the prison would close after a new facility on the Westville Correctional Facility campus was completed. The new prison will replace both facilities.
The Economic Development Corp. was awarded READI 2.0 funds to study the reuse of the site. All 92 counties in Indiana are using READI funds to implement projects and programs designed to enhance their regions.
The Economic Development Corp. Michigan City works to attract new industry and business to the community and strengthen existing business. The organization offers services, programs and one-on-one assistance. It includes city government officials, community members and business leaders.
