The community is encouraged to offer input on the reuse and reimagining of the Indiana State Prison site from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at the Michigan City H.O.P.E. Community Center, 222 McClelland Ave.

The event will outline the process of transforming the site and provide 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,” said Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch. “We are at the initial stages of discussing what this can mean for our city.”

“This public meeting is just one essential component of the reimagining and transformation,” added EDCMC Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse. “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.”

Questions can be submitted before the meeting on the developing website page for the reimagination: https://vibrantmc.com/indiana-state-prison-redevelopment-project.

In December 2024, 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 as part of the ISP Redevelopment Strategy. Farr Associates, Terra Engineering, McKenna, Zimmerman-Volk Associates and Sam Schwartz are bringing a combined level of expertise to analyze, develop, plan, design and present recommendations for the property.

The team has outlined the key tasks that will be addressed throughout the process, which is expected to last through the fall of 2025. Tasks include: analyzing assets and opportunities, design alternatives for the vacant site, transportation analysis and recommendations, site utilization analysis and recommendations, financial analysis and recommendations, public and stakeholder engagement and delivery of a final strategy playbook.   

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 EDCMC was awarded READI 1.0 funds to study the reuse of the site during the first round of funding from the state. The Regional Acceleration and Development Initiative program is funding initiatives and projects throughout the state to impact Hoosiers’ quality of life.

Launched by Gov. Holcomb and led by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), READI encourages regional collaboration and data-driven, long-term planning that will attract and retain talent in Indiana. The $500 million READI fund was passed by legislation during the 2021 session and was divided among 17 regions.

Through READI, 17 regions across the state that represent all 92 counties are moving forward with projects and programs designed to enhance Indiana’s regions for current and future generations of Hoosiers. Collectively, the state’s $500 million investment is expected to yield an additional $9.86 billion public, private and nonprofit dollars invested (19.72:1 investment leverage ratio) in enhancing Indiana’s quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity.