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http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs....ews01/703090500
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Retail, office, residential planned for north end of Michigan City
SHARON DETTMER
Tribune Correspondent
MICHIGAN CITY -- It's going to be a tight fit, but that's not deterring Michigan City developer Mike Conner from building a residential/commercial development on a small parcel of former railroad property.
"There will, of course, be limitations to the development's size," said John Pugh, Michigan City planning and redevelopment director. Nevertheless, Pugh is confident in Conner's plan to wedge a building between Galveston Steakhouse and Matey's Restaurant.
The proposed development is slated to be built close to the Franklin Street Bridge near Washington Park in Michigan City.
Conner has received preliminary conceptual approval to build Lakeside Station.
"This is a very good sign," Pugh said. "We want to attract new development and push the community forward."
That forward push includes the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission's recent approval of preliminary plans for Conner to build three, two-story buildings to house retail space on lower levels, plus offices and upscale residential units on the upper levels.
"We're always interested in providing more retail opportunities," Pugh said. "We have Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets, Blue Chip Casino and our lakefront, as well as more residential opportunities to attract people to our city."
Although architectural plans are still being developed, Pugh said, the approximate cost of the proposed structure is $600,000.
Conner, who owns Coastal Properties, a Michigan City property management company, is in the process of finalizing plans for presentation at an upcoming redevelopment commission meeting.
The development will be built by Conner and three other principals from Chicago not affiliated with Coastal Properties, Conner said.
"We are building on a parcel that is 80 feet wide and 250 feet deep. We want to develop smaller retail spaces that are affordable to bring back vitality to this end of town," he said.
The three buildings will each have 1,700 square feet of space. Studio apartments on upper levels will be about 400 square feet each.
"They will be affordable," Conner said. "We can put people in a studio at a favorable rate."
Thus far, Pugh is pleased with Conner's architectural concept, which he said fits in very well with the city's future development plans.
"Mr. Conner still needs to present full drawings and more information about parking and setbacks," Pugh said. "I think that his development will add to the good combination that we have to draw in more visitors and new residents here."
SHARON DETTMER
Tribune Correspondent
MICHIGAN CITY -- It's going to be a tight fit, but that's not deterring Michigan City developer Mike Conner from building a residential/commercial development on a small parcel of former railroad property.
"There will, of course, be limitations to the development's size," said John Pugh, Michigan City planning and redevelopment director. Nevertheless, Pugh is confident in Conner's plan to wedge a building between Galveston Steakhouse and Matey's Restaurant.
The proposed development is slated to be built close to the Franklin Street Bridge near Washington Park in Michigan City.
Conner has received preliminary conceptual approval to build Lakeside Station.
"This is a very good sign," Pugh said. "We want to attract new development and push the community forward."
That forward push includes the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission's recent approval of preliminary plans for Conner to build three, two-story buildings to house retail space on lower levels, plus offices and upscale residential units on the upper levels.
"We're always interested in providing more retail opportunities," Pugh said. "We have Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets, Blue Chip Casino and our lakefront, as well as more residential opportunities to attract people to our city."
Although architectural plans are still being developed, Pugh said, the approximate cost of the proposed structure is $600,000.
Conner, who owns Coastal Properties, a Michigan City property management company, is in the process of finalizing plans for presentation at an upcoming redevelopment commission meeting.
The development will be built by Conner and three other principals from Chicago not affiliated with Coastal Properties, Conner said.
"We are building on a parcel that is 80 feet wide and 250 feet deep. We want to develop smaller retail spaces that are affordable to bring back vitality to this end of town," he said.
The three buildings will each have 1,700 square feet of space. Studio apartments on upper levels will be about 400 square feet each.
"They will be affordable," Conner said. "We can put people in a studio at a favorable rate."
Thus far, Pugh is pleased with Conner's architectural concept, which he said fits in very well with the city's future development plans.
"Mr. Conner still needs to present full drawings and more information about parking and setbacks," Pugh said. "I think that his development will add to the good combination that we have to draw in more visitors and new residents here."