Hammond City staff previews demolition timeline for 7105 Kennedy Avenue, promotes downtown vacancies as new business prepares soft opening

Ann Taylor, a city staff member, told the Hammond City Commission that the city has completed purchase of 7105 Kennedy Avenue, the former Arden building, and is conducting environmental reviews before demolition.

"As you may recall, the commission approved the purchase of 7105 Kennedy Avenue. The former Arden building spanning 170 First to Orchard Drive along Kennedy Avenue. We have been touring environmental consultants through for preliminary reports to help us with the eventual demolition of the building," Taylor said.

Taylor said the city expects demolition work in 2026 and in the meantime is marketing the block to prospective developers. She said staff has increased signage and online promotion of vacant buildings downtown and that those efforts have generated renewed interest and developer tours.

"For the demo, we are looking at 2026 for this. And in the meantime, we are getting ready to promote this block for redevelopment," Taylor said.

Taylor also announced a small-business development: Brewbox, a coffee, pastry and sandwich shop in the Bank Building, will have a soft opening Monday. She said the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce will help coordinate a ribbon-cutting and staff will notify commissioners of the date.

The presentation to the commission was informational; no formal action on 7105 Kennedy Avenue was taken at this meeting. Staff said environmental consultants are preparing preliminary reports that will inform a future demolition procurement and schedule.