New Michigan City high-rise marks start of regional revitalization led by Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority

For decades, the South Shore line served as a simple commuter link to Chicago. Today, the lakeside rail line is backing a $180 million economic revitalization. This high-rise transformation will be known as The Franklin at 11th Street Station in Michigan City, and will serve as the premier destination for modern, transit-oriented living.

“I do love it when I hear that it is the first high-rise in Northwest Indiana, and the first high-rise in transit-oriented developments in the entire state of Indiana,” Sherrill Ziller, president and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA). “It is truly a game-changer for the Region that demonstrates that Chicago-style development can happen here.”

Since the 1970s, Northwest Indiana has grappled with a stagnant population and declining household incomes. The state and RDA aim to reverse this trend using a model called Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). This strategy builds high-density housing near train stations to attract young professionals by reducing the grind of the Chicago commute. The local economy can turn visitors into permanent residents by leveraging Chicago’s large labor market.

“Our goal is to keep increasing the population and show other developers what is possible in Northwest Indiana,” Ziller said. “We are creating a confident future where we aren’t just watching growth happen, but we are making it happen.”

The South Shore Line’s $1.5 billion rail expansion launched in 2020 alongside Transit Development Districts (TDDs) to fund the expensive infrastructure and environmental cleanups that often stall large-scale projects. By proactively addressing invisible hurdles like contaminated soil or outdated facilities, the RDA de-risked the Region and created the stability needed to attract partners like Flaherty & Collins Properties. The Franklin Tower now serves as a beacon of urban evolution and anchors a $2.7 billion economic surge across Northwest Indiana.

“When you see a developer like Flaherty & Collins come in and put $100 million into a project, that is the ultimate signal to the rest of the market,” Ziller said. “It tells everyone that Northwest Indiana is open for business and that the investment risk has been addressed by the state’s commitment to the rail line. That was the signal to developers that this was for real, and the Region was very serious about growth.”

On the practical side for commuters, TOD focuses on creating walkable, high-density communities centered around quality public transit. For Michigan City, The Franklin will be a leading example of this concept. Instead of traditional suburbia, the project places residents just steps away from the 11th Street Station. Proximity allows commuters to enjoy a Chicago-style lifestyle alongside Indiana’s lower cost of living.

“Michigan City has experienced significant growth, but it is about the proximity all around our transit communities,” Ziller said. “Proximity to the South Shore Line is a huge asset, but we want to see more vertical, high-density development surrounding transit.”

Looking ahead, the South Shore Line expansion provides the foundation for a 20-year economic transformation that is already outperforming expectations. Through Development Catalyst Grants, the RDA is helping even smaller communities prepare market-ready sites for future high-density housing. Ultimately, these investments ensure that every community along the line has the foundation necessary to thrive in this new era.

“We’re already looking at $800 to $900 million in planned or funded projects,” Ziller said. “We weren’t supposed to be at that number until 2028 or 2029. We are ahead of the game.”

As the project gains momentum, The Franklin at 11th Street Station is expected to welcome its first residents and commercial tenants this summer. This landmark tower marks the beginning of a series of regional projects that will define the local economic transformation.

For more information on these projects and regional development updates, visit the Northwest Indiana RDA at in.gov/rda, and the Transit Development Districts at nwitdd.com.