Community members offered ideas for the reimagining of the Indiana State Prison site during an event at the H.O.P.E. Community Center.
The Economic Development Corp. Michigan City, Farr Associates and city leaders outlined the early stages of the process. They gathered input on land use, connectivity, economic development and design.
Clarence Hulse, EDCMC executive director, told attendees that the goal was to explore the possibilities in a open format.
“We are focused on reimagination, not redevelopment,” said Erin Meisner, EDCMC community development manager, in a press release. “This is your opportunity: If you had a magic wand, what is the most important thing to you?”
The meeting is one component of the process to create a master plan as part of the ISP Reimagination Strategy. The Indiana Department of Correction announced that the prison would close upon completion of a facility on the Westville Correctional Facility campus. The new prison will replace both facilities.
In December 2024, former Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a letter of intent along with Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch. The state will transfer ownership of the Indiana State Prison site to the City of Michigan by Jan. 1, 2029.
The EDCMC 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.
“This odyssey started with READI 1.0 funding to identity projects that are beneficial for our community,” Nelson Deuitch said. “The prison study made the cut, and now we have the opportunity to reimagine the site.
Farr Associates and other team members will organize and catalog the public’s input from the meeting. Leaders will host another public input session later in 2025.
“We are designers, and we have no idea what to draw at this point. We are here to listen. We don’t have a plan, and we are eager to hear what you have to say,” Doug Farr, Farr Associates Architecture & Urban Design founder, said. “Oftentimes, the best part of plans come from meetings like this.”
