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Business owners optimistic about the future of Michigan Blvd.
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Photo: By Bob Wellinski
Clarence Davis poses with plans for a new structure to be built on the land behind him at the corner of Michigan Boulevard and Faulknor Street Wednesday morning.
More photos from this shoot
MICHIGAN CITY — Michigan City is on the brink of a historical turning point as it struggles to adjust to the switch from a manufacturing-based to a tourism-based economy.
The crossroads for that change is located on the very east end of arguably the city’s most infamous roadway — Michigan Boulevard, the gateway to the city’s most valued attractions: Lake Michigan, Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets and Blue Chip Casino, which combined draw more than 10 million visitors annually.
But while redevelopment efforts near Trail Creek move slowly forward, progress further south on the boulevard lags due to blight and bad reputation.
This isn’t the first time in the past 100 years Michigan City has dealt with pressing questions of redevelopment. This time, however, there appears to be real momentum. The past two years alone, nine properties have been acquired and demolished on the boulevard.
“We only get one chance to do this,” said Michigan City Redevelopment Commission attorney Michael Bergerson. “The decisions we make now will have a long-ranging effect for the north end for the next 100 years.”
Comment on this story
Photo: By Bob Wellinski
Clarence Davis poses with plans for a new structure to be built on the land behind him at the corner of Michigan Boulevard and Faulknor Street Wednesday morning.
More photos from this shoot
MICHIGAN CITY — Michigan City is on the brink of a historical turning point as it struggles to adjust to the switch from a manufacturing-based to a tourism-based economy.
The crossroads for that change is located on the very east end of arguably the city’s most infamous roadway — Michigan Boulevard, the gateway to the city’s most valued attractions: Lake Michigan, Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets and Blue Chip Casino, which combined draw more than 10 million visitors annually.
But while redevelopment efforts near Trail Creek move slowly forward, progress further south on the boulevard lags due to blight and bad reputation.
This isn’t the first time in the past 100 years Michigan City has dealt with pressing questions of redevelopment. This time, however, there appears to be real momentum. The past two years alone, nine properties have been acquired and demolished on the boulevard.
“We only get one chance to do this,” said Michigan City Redevelopment Commission attorney Michael Bergerson. “The decisions we make now will have a long-ranging effect for the north end for the next 100 years.”