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http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs....60311/-1/NEWS01

Wi-fi access next step in Michigan City plan

SHARON DETTMER
Tribune Correspondent

MICHIGAN CITY -- Kevin Kieft has a new vision for the Franklin Street corridor in downtown Michigan City. The business development manager for the Michigan City Economic Development Corp. envisions a bustling, quaint arts-focused shop, professional offices corridor in one of the city's historic districts.

Development of the Franklin Street corridor, as well as Wabash and Washington streets, is a "work in progress," Kieft said. "Our main focus will certainly be on this area."

The vision is taking on new dimensions. City officials recently penned a deal with Internet service provider NetNitco to install wi-fi equipment to provide wireless service from Fourth Street to 11th Street downtown, and on Wabash and Pine streets.


"We will also have the service at (Washington Park Marina), to reach out to the boating community," Kieft said.

Providing free high-speed Internet services to those working and playing in the downtown casts an attractive net to capture the attention of businesses and tourists.

"It's a service for businesses, and a service for citizens. It's just another amenity and another convenience," Kieft said.

The equipment will be installed this month on the city's infrastructure.

The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce is planning to transform the Franklin Street Corridor -- just a couple of blocks away from Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets -- into an arts and professional offices district.

The corridor is already home to Mainstreet Theatre and Southern Shore Art Gallery.

The gallery, which is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT on Saturday and Sunday, is located at 724 Franklin St.

Southern Shore Art Gallery fits in well with the Anderson-Camiros study plans drawn up for the city about five years ago, Kieft said. Camiros Ltd. is an urban planning and development firm based in Chicago.

However, there is more work to be done to create the arts district vision.

Kieft acknowledged the challenges the city will face in the future as it forges ahead with the urban development plan.

"One key component is developing the Warren Building. It would make a great condominium development, or a senior assisted living facility," Kieft said.

The Warren Building, one of the largest buildings in the city, is vacant.

Finding a good use for the Warren Building is a key aspect to the realization of a truly successful revitalization effort, Kieft said.

[Max Main]

good coverage