[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=51181.23

Developer Shows Ideas At Boat Show

Amanda Haverstick
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - A Chicago developer revealed his plans for what a portion of Michigan Boulevard might look like a year from now.

Chicago developer Bob Bicek said he is offering a preview of a new development, Victoria Landings Condominium Yacht Homes, through Sunday at the Michigan City In-Water Boat Show at Booth No. 7.

"We are calling this a 'sneak preview' as the plans still have wet ink," Bicek said. "It's just going to be magnificent."

In May, Bicek announced plans to build luxury condominiums in the 700 block of Michigan Boulevard on the side opposite Trail Creek.

Current plans call for seven buildings with 28 total units. He said 14 of the units will be one-bedroom dens and the other 14 will be two-bedroom lofts. Prices, said Bicek, could run in the $300,000 to $425,000 range.

Each building has a private elevator for the upper residents and a parking garage.

Lower level units will have a terrace and upper units will have balconies.

Bicek said he has worked to keep the feel and look of single-family homes, with a Victorian era façade and detailed decorative treatments. The exterior color scheme is Wedgwood Blue clapboard and shingle siding with white trim.

"The concept is Victorian because we're in a historic district," Bicek said. "We were looking for a facade that would blend with the neighborhood."

Bicek said he expects to have the project completed by late summer 2008.

[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=33656.78

Condos Get Green Light

Amanda Haverstick
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - The Michigan City Plan Commission has given its blessing to a proposed $20 million condo project on the North End.

The Michigan City Plan Commission granted approval Tuesday night for Harborview LLC's request to build condominiums at 101 Franklin St.

Seven commission members voted in favor of the request. Two members, Tim Smith and G. Wallace Hook, were absent. Because the development is in the R-46 urban renewal area, the developers also will seek approval from the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission.

Attorney Michael Bergerson, who represents developers John Ziola, Jim Wozny and Ann Crockett, said the condominium will sit between Franklin and Wabash streets, where Swingbelly's occupies The Depot building. The developers also are building an ice cream parlor, La Dolce Vita, which will be located behind the Lubeznik Center for the Arts.

"It represents an investment of $20 million. It's been a long time since that type of investment has been made," Bergerson said. "We think this will be a concept that will bring people to Michigan City not only on a permanent basis, but to visit."

The 80,000-square-foot building will have 48 luxury condominiums. The ground floor will include a restaurant, swimming pool and meeting rooms for the homeowner's association. Condos will have efficiency units, and owners are entitled to stay there and rent out the larger space.

"Ten of the 48 units, deposits have been (taken) already," Bergerson said. "We hope prior to spring of next year, an additional 10 or 12 units will be pre-sold, which would enable construction to begin."

Bergerson also said more parking has been added to their original plans.

"The owners have reached an agreement with the railroad (Amtrak) for property to the west of this development," Bergerson said. "They are purchasing that property for an addition of at least 48 garage-type units."

Attorney Brad Adamski, representing clients who own adjacent property at 105 Washington St. and 229 W. Second St., said issues such as parking and traffic should be studied further.

"I think it needs to be looked at closer. When you're looking at the first floor ... where you're talking about a restaurant, even with the additional 48 garages, you (won't) meet that parking requirement," Adamski said. "Franklin Street and Wabash Street are not equipped for an increase in traffic."

City Planner John Pugh said he is satisfied with the parking situation, even if the railroad property was not provided.

"From what we've seen and looked at, we believe parking is adequate at this time," Pugh said. "I'm sure any additional parking would be an added benefit."

Commission member Pat Boy asked what the future of The Depot is.

The Depot, formerly the Michigan Central Railroad Depot, was built circa 1914 for the Chicago-Detroit passenger service. The original railroad depot, though, was built in the 1850s on the opposite side of the tracks. That building saw the funeral train carrying the remains of Abraham Lincoln stop on May 1, 1865. President William McKinley also stopped there on Oct. 17, 1899.

"We are still looking for someone who would like to move it. They can have it for free," Bergerson said. "It is somewhat cost prohibitive to move that building."

Bergerson said if no one moves the building prior to the development's building permit approval, it will be torn down.

Contact Amanda Haverstick at ahaverstick@thenewsdispatch.com.

[mcstumper]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=33656.78

I sincerely hope that anyone thinking of funding a move of the old Depot building would instead write the check to the YMCA with "In Memory of the Depot" written on the memo line.

[Roger Kaputnik]

No kidding. The depot is decrepit.

[Southsider2k12]

I sincerely hope that anyone thinking of funding a move of the old Depot building would instead write the check to the YMCA with "In Memory of the Depot" written on the memo line.

History means nothing in MC. You could put a "who's, who" list together of what has been destroyed in MC over recent history. Its sad really. You never see that happen in Chicago, and their skyline is better for it. Take a stroll down Michigan Avenue, and you can feel the 19th century.

[mcstumper]

History means nothing in MC. You could put a "who's, who" list together of what has been destroyed in MC over recent history. Its sad really. You never see that happen in Chicago, and their skyline is better for it. Take a stroll down Michigan Avenue, and you can feel the 19th century.

Yup. Apathy is a killer. The wealthy in our community should feel ashamed for their lack of benevolence.