Construction Starts on YAB Development’s 14-Story Mixed-Use SoLa Project in Michigan City, IN

Michigan City, Indiana, is taking a significant step towards revitalizing its downtown core with the groundbreaking ceremony for the SoLa (South of the Lake) development.

The development is spearheaded by YAB Development and designed by Chicago's Koo Architects. 

The project in numbers: This 14-story mixed-use project is located just north of the city's central library and will feature two structures: a main building with 235 hotel rooms and 164 residential units, and a rear structure with 17 ground-floor duplexes.

The upcoming SoLa, explained: The main building will house two distinguished hotel brands, the Trademark Collection by Wyndham and TRYP by Wyndham, offering a variety of suites and rooms. Guests will have access to outdoor decks, rooftop dining, bars, spa facilities, and more. The residential units will offer a diverse range of one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts ranging from 770 to 1,650 square feet, and residents will also have access to the hotel's extensive amenities. The two structures will share a 396-vehicle parking garage and a retail base that will, if everything goes according to plan, house a grocery store.

Location, location, location: It is strategically located adjacent to the Amtrak station and the forthcoming reconstructed South Shore Line (SSL) 11th Street station, falling within the Transit Oriented Development zone designated by Michigan City. This alignment with SSL's double track project, which is expected to significantly reduce commute times to Chicago, is a key aspect of the development's appeal.

The SoLa project is estimated to cost $280 million and is expected to generate approximately 800 temporary construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs. The anticipated completion date is set for Spring 2026.