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Developers pitch Cobblestone hotel, restaurants and land exchange near SR35/I‑94
Summary
An engineer and developer pitched a mixed commercial project including a Cobblestone hotel (feasibility study recommends a 54‑room Main Street model) and restaurants along SR35/I‑94; developers said construction could begin in 2026 with a 2027 opening if water and sewer extensions are completed.
At the Nov. 12 Redevelopment Commission meeting, landowner‑developer representatives described a proposed commercial project near SR35 and I‑94 that could add a Cobblestone hotel, sit‑down restaurant (possibly a Cracker Barrel), a coffee drive‑through and other food service uses.
Gary Radtke, owner of Radtke Engineering and Surveying, said he is working with developer Rich Ostergren of Serenity Springs to secure land and negotiate a land exchange with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) for additional acreage along SR35. Radtke said one INDOT parcel currently used for maintenance is not designated surplus, and INDOT has so far denied the initial request, limiting outside actions until a workable exchange can be found.
Chris Harth, representing Cobblestone Hotels, described the brand and said a feasibility study supported a 54‑room Main Street model for this location. Harth said the hotel model would include a boardroom, indoor pool, breakfast room and an evening lounge serving beer and wine; hotel ownership is expected to be primarily franchisee‑owned, with two brand owners considering minority investment.
Radtke said the project assumes extension of water and sewer service; he and county staff said construction work is expected to begin in 2026 with the hotel opening in 2027 if infrastructure is completed on schedule. Reardon said Michigan City officials had shown strong interest in coordinating on water and sewer extensions.
No formal county incentives or approvals were granted at the Nov. 12 meeting; Radtke requested assistance in pursuing the INDOT land exchange and said he would continue coordination with county staff and partner agencies.
Next step: developers will continue negotiations with INDOT and utility providers; the commission and staff will monitor progress and any requests for county assistance or incentives.
