Prison renovation project begins • Northwest Indiana Business Magazine

A diverse team paves the way for the renovation of the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City.

The team includes experts in architecture, urban design, transportation, planning and housing. Farr Associates, Terra Engineering, McKenna, Zimmerman-Volk Associates and Sam Schwartz will analyze, develop, plan, design and make recommendations for the site.

“The extensive scope of the state prison redevelopment project requires a solid foundation of expertise to determine the optimal strategy for this great opportunity for our city,” Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said in a press release.

The team will analyze assets, opportunities, transportation options and site use. Team members will design alternatives for the vacant site and engage the public and stakeholders. They are expected to deliver a final strategy manual in late 2025.

“The decision to relocate the Indiana State Penitentiary and redevelop the site presents tremendous economic development opportunities for the City of Michigan City,” said Doug Farr, founder of Farr Associates. “Redeveloping 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 community input is crucial.

“We will hold public workshops dedicated to brainstorming, designing and developing a final plan,” said Nelson Deuitch. “The in-person process will be supplemented by virtual meeting options and supported by a project website.”

The key to successfully transforming the site is a thoroughly analyzed and comprehensive strategy, said Clarence Hulse, executive director of the Economic Development Corp. Michigan City.

“In order to have a master plan and design that can build something meaningful from the ashes of this challenge, it is imperative to approach the process step by step,” Hulse said. “We will turn the closure of the prison into an opportunity to bring vitality and vibrancy to our community.”

The Indiana Department of Correction announced in August 2023 that the prison will close after a new facility is completed on the Westville Correctional Facility campus. The new prison will replace both facilities.

The Economic Development Corp. received READI 2.0 funding to study reuse of the site. All 92 counties in Indiana use READI funding to implement projects and programs designed to enhance their regions.

The Economic Development Corp. of Michigan City works to attract new industry and businesses to the community and strengthen existing businesses. The organization provides services, programs and personal support. It includes city officials, community members and business leaders.