The Michigan City Redevelopment Commission on Dec. 17 approved a one-month extension of Baker Engineering's expiring contract to Jan. 31 to allow the firm to bill remaining work and to return with a proposed scope for 2026.

Executive Director Skyler York said Baker Engineering has an expiring contract with approximately $15,000 remaining and asked the commission to extend the contract so the firm can finish billed work and present a new contract at the Jan. 12 meeting. Commissioner (S4) moved to extend the agreement through Jan. 31; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Legal counsel clarified that the extension does not add funds beyond the existing appropriation and that the extension would allow use of the unspent balance under the current contract.

Commissioners also received an update on the 11th Street Station residential tower, called The Franklin. Staff reported developers have received roughly 114 inquiries and have indicated an initial move-in target of Aug. 1 (tentative). A Historic Preservation Commission approved signage for the project, with a target install date of June 1. Staff said several units will be finished for public walkthroughs by April.

Director York also outlined the Tailwinds commercial park proposal, a roughly 30–35-acre site near the AMC theater and retail corridor that would create 11–12 buildable pads and an estimated 140,000+ square feet of space. York said the city’s planned incentives would fund infrastructure (roads, utilities, curb, gutter and sidewalks) to ready pads for development. Staff estimated roughly 200 jobs at full buildout.

Commissioners highlighted marketing work, including a market profile for 2025, a March 'power breakfast' and forthcoming city videos to promote tourism and development.

The Baker Engineering extension ensures the consultant can close out work under the current contract and return with a proposed 2026 scope; staff said any future contract would be brought to the commission for approval.