SoLa mixed-use development in Michigan City -Groundbreaking launches new $280 million development

Historic downtown Michigan City kicked off construction of a new 628,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art mixed-use development on Friday with a groundbreaking event at the corner of Michigan Boulevard and Franklin Street. The SoLa Development will feature two boutique hotels, a wide variety of residences including townhomes, destination food and beverage, plus parking that is hidden from view, all just steps from the beach, zoo and Washington Park.

Named for its location South of the Lake, SoLa is the largest development in the Michigan City Transit Oriented Development District created as an important part of doubletracking of the South Shore Rail Line. YAB Development Partners will develop and oversee all aspects of the project. The group was formed by: Decennial Group Co-Founder and Managing Principal Scott Goodman; Indiana attorney and tech-entrepreneur Tom Dakich; real estate entrepreneur Barry Schain; real estate developers Rob Harte and Alan Schachtman; and hotel consultants Elliott Estes and Michael Blank.

“When we set out to design the SoLa Development, we knew it had to be beautiful and state-of-the-art, reflecting the natural beauty of the lakeshore as well as the innovative nature of Michigan City itself,” Schain said. “With the South Shore Line’s Double Track express line directly connecting Michigan City to Chicago, there is no better time to bring to life a development like SoLa that will benefit all who enjoy it.”

Just steps from the beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan, the National Park and the South Shore Line, SoLa will be home to TRYP by Wyndham and Trademark Collection by Wyndham hotels, luxury residences, restaurants, retail spaces and outdoor areas.

SoLa Highlights:

• Hotels: The 14-story, 255-key dual-brand hotels will offer guests a variety of lodging options with sweeping views of Lake Michigan, the National Park and the Chicago Skyline beyond.

Amenities will include a 15,000 square-foot resort-style swimming pool and deck area, fitness center and spa, as well as various restaurants, coffee shops, bars and outdoor space with picturesque views of the Harbor, Lakefront and Lake Michigan sunsets.

• Residences: The south and west ends of SoLa will be home to a 14-story condominium tower with 164 units. Primarily two- and three-bedroom units, The Residences will each enjoy a private

residential-only formal entrance, generous private balconies or large terrace spaces, plus plenty of amenities that include a community room with kitchen, work from home amenities, pet

washing station, bicycle storage and a mail and package center, among others. Additionally, 17 duplexed townhomes will be offered on SoLa’s lake side. Not only will the various hotel

amenities be available to owners and occupants of the condominiums and townhomes, but so too will be the typical services offered through the hotel on an a la carte basis, including drycleaning, concierge assistance, unit cleaning, room service from the restaurants, etc.

• Outdoor Space: The crown jewel of SoLa will be its fourth-floor amenity level, a massive fourseason space that will capture one-of-a-kind Harbor and Lake Michigan views. The space will

feature club-like amenities with a variety of outdoor seating areas, pool and hot tub with a retractable roof and open landscaped areas for summer and winter outdoor activities. It will provide access to dining options and space for community events, art shows, outdoor movies and performances.

• Retail: At SoLa, delicious dining and a cold drink will never be far. The hotel will have a rooftop lounge and restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an additional commercial

space to be occupied by to-be-determined complimentary retailers and restaurants.

• The 396-space interior garage parking will serve all of SoLa’s lodging, residential and retail

facilities