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Staff: Franciscan parcel demolition near complete; Purdue Northwest impact lab planned for downtown site
Summary
City staff reported demolition of the Franciscan parcel in downtown Hammond is nearly complete, the site is being considered for redevelopment that may include a parking garage and a Purdue Northwest impact lab, with a planned ribbon cutting in early 2026.
City staff told the Hammond Redevelopment Commission on Aug. 5 that demolition on the Franciscan parcel in downtown Hammond is nearly complete and that the city has begun planning for redevelopment of the roughly 8-acre property.
Staff said a parking garage on the site will remain and will not be demolished. The parcel is about 1,000 feet from a planned downtown train station, a location staff described as “ripe for redevelopment.” On a portion of the site carved out by Purdue Northwest, staff said Purdue Northwest plans an impact lab building; staff noted Purdue Northwest hopes to hold a ribbon cutting in early 2026.
Staff said the project would bring education positions and high-tech jobs to downtown Hammond. The staff report also highlighted recent downtown activity including a ribbon cutting for Tutti's Chicken and Fish at 6022 Columbia Ave. and a grand opening for a bank and event space called The Reserve. Staff encouraged commissioners to attend National Night Out events later that evening.
No final development agreement, financing plan or solicitation for the Franciscan parcel was presented at the meeting; staff said it will provide updates to the commission as plans develop.
