CUTLINE: A rendering of the Franciscan Health medical office building proposed for the site of the former J.C. Penney store in the former Marquette Mall at U.S. 421 and U.S. 20 is shown. (Image provided)
In Michigan City, Franciscan Health, in partnership with Tonn and Blank Construction, says it is planning a medical office building on a portion of the former Marquette Mall property. Franciscan Health plans to operate a 120,000-square-foot medical office building through the renovation of the former J.C. Penney store at the northwest corner of U.S. 421 and U.S. 20. The land is just 2.5 miles north of Franciscan Health Michigan City, which sits at U.S. 421 and Interstate 94. The building will house more than 45 physicians, imaging, an urgent care, and multi-specialty physician offices. “We are excited to bring this project to Michigan City for the benefit of the residents and those of the surrounding counties,” said Stacey Leva, DO, president and CEO of Franciscan Health Michigan City. “Meeting the needs of the patients we serve by locating services under one roof and making care more easily accessible supports our Franciscan values in action.” Tonn and Blank Construction purchased the former Marquette Mall property in mid-2025, a news release said. If approved, the project will be scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. Final plans for office relocations will be determined and shared with patients and staff closer to the opening of the building.
