The Franklin at 11th Street Station in Michigan City has received a second economic development award, local officials announced.
The $101 million high-rise mixed-use development was named a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development honoree by the International Economic Development Council, receiving its Public-Private Partnership award. In September, the project was also named Large Population Project of the Year by the Mid-America Economic Development Council.
The Franklin was developed by Flaherty & Collins next to the South Shore Line station, as part of what officials describe as Indiana's first and only rail transit-oriented development and federal joint development project. It grew out of the station renovation and an initial plan for a parking garage.
The 12-story building includes 220 apartments in studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts, with a 550-space parking garage next door, walkable access to downtown and a 67-minute South Shore ride to Chicago, according to the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City.
EDCMC Executive Director Clarence Hulse said the transformation was a collaboration among the South Shore Line, the City of Michigan City and the developer. Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said the project was meant to be more than a parking garage, and called the recognition a testament to partnership and to the city's potential.
