[diggler]

Michigan City getting $20 million assisted living facility

Stan Maddux Times Correspondent

MICHIGAN CITY — A $20 million assisted living facility just recently started going up in Michigan City, a project that could be a catalyst for future development.

Vermilion Acquisitions, a real estate development firm out of Chicago, is behind plans for 144 affordable units on a seven-acre parcel at U.S. 35 and Motts Parkway between the municipal golf course and the city's airport on the east side.

"As people age, people need those kinds of services," said city councilman Chris Schwanke.

The housing units, expected to employ about 40 people, will be on four levels and should be finished early in 2018.

Transportation will also be provided to accommodate some of the residents, including those with disabilities, without their own vehicles.

Originally, the project in 2013 was earmarked for a 20-acre site along U.S 12 across from the entrance to Michiana Shores, an upscale community that succeeded in petitioning against the project.

Residents cited a higher risk for rear end collisions from having such a high density of residents in one location and the development not blending well in a neighborhood with all single-family housing.

The current site is in a more open area with modest single family housing nearby but not in plain view.

[Southsider2k12]

This is going to be a nice shot in the arm for the tax base, plus it isn't something that will close up and re-open with each business cycle. They will be here for decades.