Indiana State Prison Reimagination Project

Imagining a Vibrant Future, Together

Farr Associates is leading a visioning and planning exercise to roll-out over the next 20 years——a $1B redevelopment of the vacated Indiana State Prison site. This initiative will redefine the historic prison site by fostering future economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing community infrastructure in Michigan City, Indiana.

The prison’s closure in 2027 will allow the City to reimagine this area of town and knit together the west side community with additional housing and much-needed basic amenities such as access to fresh food and regional connectivity.

Client: Economic Development Corporation Michigan City (EDCMC)

Location: Michigan City, IN

Role: Master Planning, Urban Design, Site Analysis, Historic Preservation, Economic Development, Community Engagement

Project Area: 100 Acres

Project Cost: $1 Billion+ in potential development

Project Timeline: Ongoing

McKenna: Economic Analysis
Zimmerman/Volk: Housing Analysis
Terra Engineering: Civil Engineering
TYlin (formerly Sam Schwartz): Transportation Engineering
ABC57: Michigan City Prison closure delayed, Senator Pol speaks out
NWI Times: Governor wants Michigan City to redevelop Indiana State Prison property
Inside Indiana Business: Holcomb gives support for repurposing Indiana State Prison site
Inside Indiana Business: Michigan City leaders go all-in on planning for Indiana State Prison site
NWI Life: Advisory Council leads State Prison redevelopment
Building Indiana Business: Experts to Lead Planning of State Prison Redevelopment
WSBT: What is the future of the Indiana State Prison site in Michigan City after it closes?
- Case Studies (PDF)
- Public Meeting #1 Recap (PDF)
- Public Meeting #2 Minutes (PDF)
- Public Meeting #2 Recording (YouTube)

Public Meeting #1: January 22, 2023

We heard you loud and clear, Michigan City!

120+ residents, public officials, and nearby neighbors to Michigan City filled the H.O.P.E. Center to discuss the reimagination of the Indiana State Prison in a hands-on format.

Community members engaged with themed tables, including community, connectivity, economic development, design, and land-use. The 70-minute ideation session provided a robust response from all participants through image preference surveys, quick design charrettes, multiple-choice surveys, and direct discussion with members of the project team.

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