About the Lahaha Building

Welcome to the Lahaha Building

The Lahaha Building, located at 517, 519, and 519 ½ Franklin Street, is a historic office space in the heart of downtown Michigan City, Indiana. Owned and managed by Lahaha Investments, LLC, the building has undergone a remarkable transformation—once an underutilized and vacant property, it is now a thriving hub of professional businesses.

A Commitment to Revitalization

Lahaha Investments, LLC is a partnership of three families, all of whom have deep roots in Michigan City. Their shared vision and dedication to the community led them to acquire the Lahaha Building, recognizing its untapped potential in the heart of downtown. With an appreciation for historic preservation and economic revitalization, Lahaha Investments took what was once an underutilized space and restored it to nearly 100% occupancy, bringing new life to the building and making a significant positive impact on the city’s Uptown Arts District.

The families behind lahaha investments are not only tied to the Lahaha Building but also have longstanding business and community connections throughout Michigan City. Their efforts in revitalizing the building reflect their broader contributions to the city's history, growth, and development.

A Legacy of Commerce and Community

The Lahaha Building has been a fixture of Michigan City’s downtown business scene for well over a century. Constructed around 1880, the original structures at 517 and 519 Franklin Street were built during a period of rapid downtown development, featuring Victorian architectural details typical of the era. Over time, the building adapted to the evolving needs of the city, housing a wide variety of businesses.

Through the early 20th century, Franklin Street became a bustling commercial corridor, and the Lahaha Building played an integral role, providing space for shops, professional offices, and community gathering places.

Notable Tenants and Transformations

Over the years, the Lahaha Building has hosted a diverse range of businesses, evolving with the times:

• Mid-20th Century: 517 Franklin was home to the Holiday Bar & Tavern, a popular nightlife spot in the 1940s and 1950s.

• 1970s: The building transitioned to retail, with Bennett’s Inc., an appliance and television store, operating on the ground floor while a commercial lighting showroom occupied an upstairs space.

• Late 20th Century: A major renovation in the late 1980s/early 1990s modernized the building’s façade, replacing its historic elements with a clean brick exterior. Around this time, Lysaught Salmon & Co., an accounting firm, established offices at 517 Franklin.

• Present Day: Under Lahaha Investments, the building has been fully revitalized into a professional office space, housing a variety of businesses that contribute to Michigan City’s economy.

A Thriving Hub for Professional Businesses

The Lahaha Building is home to a diverse mix of high-quality professional services that have contributed to the building’s success and reputation. Businesses that have operated here include counseling centers, a professional construction company, a jewelry and gift store, real estate agencies, tourism management firms, private developers, accounting services, a local enterprise zone nonprofit, web development companies, architectural firms, content creation teams, marketing agencies, and graphic design firms. The building has been a trusted location for businesses seeking a professional, well-maintained, and centrally located office space in the heart of Michigan City.

A Piece of Downtown’s Story

The Lahaha Building sits next to the historic bank at 515 Franklin Street, now Horizon Bank, which has served the city’s financial needs for over a century. The bank’s imposing limestone pillars provide a striking contrast to the modernized Lahaha Building, reinforcing the architectural history of Franklin Street.

The downtown district has seen many transformations over the years, from its time as a pedestrian plaza in the 1970s to its resurgence as part of Michigan City’s Uptown Arts District. Through it all, the Lahaha Building has remained a central part of the city’s evolving commercial landscape.

Discover Your Space in the Lahaha Building

Today, the Lahaha Building stands as a symbol of revitalization and community investment. It offers modern office spaces with a historical backdrop, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to be part of a thriving downtown district.

If you’re looking for a well-maintained, professionally managed office space in the heart of Michigan City, we invite you to reach out and explore the available spaces.

Contact us today to learn more about how the Lahaha Building can be the perfect place for your business!