MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District on Wednesday (June 18) held the official grand opening for the South Shore Line’s new 11th Street Station in Michigan City, part of a larger development project at the downtown site.
Platforms at the station opened early last year, but Wednesday’s event marked the opening of the station building as well as an adjacent 542-space parking structure.
“We are thrilled to officially open the doors of the 11th Street Station to our riders and the community,” South Shore CEO Michael Noland said in a press release. “This station represents our Double Track project’s final and transformative piece. We sincerely thank all our federal, state, and local partners who have made this vision a reality. Our partnership with Michigan City goes beyond transportation — it’s about investing in the community and driving sustainable local development.”
Among features of the new station, which cost about $100 million, are an exhibit on the history of the South Shore Line and an interactive model railroad display. The structure features a façade from the original station at the site.
Work continues on a 12-story building on the property that will feature apartments and commercial space. Noland told Inside Indiana Business that he expects the project to bring other development to the area.
“The first project in is usually the most difficult to get across the finish line, to raise money for, to bring to fruition,” he said. “Once this project is up and going, those that follow—and they will follow—it’s really going to change the face of the community up and down the line.”
Looks like SEPTA Silverliners. Imagine riding one of those overnight from Paoli to Michigan City.