Michigan City’s downtown core, also known as the Uptown Arts District today, has evolved much over the years. Many different factors have controlled its evolution, so we would like to focus, primarily, on the ways in which our organization, the Michigan City Mainstreet Association, has acted to change the course of history for Michigan City. Below, you will find a timeline of events that explain our involvement in the community over the years. We look forward to contributing more for years to come.

1969 – Franklin Square, a citypark and pedestrian shopping area covering the 500-900 blocks of Franklin Street, is completed. It is dedicated on November 22, 1969.

1990 – Franklin Square is demolished. Franklin Street reopens to traffic in the uptown area (August 10).

1990 – The Michigan City Downtown Boosters are formed. They later become the Michigan City Mainstreet Association.