Hammond mayor touts downtown revival as South Shore trains, lab and new housing near launch
Loading...
Summary
City leaders at a Mayor’s Night Out described a wave of downtown investment — a $10 million South Shore station project and Purdue-backed Roberts Impact Lab among them — and sought to frame new restaurant and housing incentives as part of a long-term recovery strategy for Hammond’s 2nd District.
The mayor of Hammond told attendees at Mayor’s Night Out in the city’s 2nd District that downtown Hammond is seeing sustained private and public investment that will ‘‘signal we’re serious about downtown.” He highlighted the South Shore Line expansion and a planned downtown station as anchors of that momentum.
The mayor said the South Shore trains will ‘‘start rolling” on March 31 and noted a ceremonial ribbon cutting for the Gateway Station and a formal groundbreaking for the downtown station. City engineer Dean Button told the meeting the downtown station construction targets a June 30 completion following roughly a 15-month timeline, and that a ceremonial groundbreaking would precede contractor mobilization.
Why it matters: City officials argued the transit project, combined with recent private and institutional investment, will help downtown recover from the loss of a hospital, expand commuting options to Chicago and attract new businesses. At the meeting the mayor connected the train project to other investments, including what he called a ‘‘Quantum connection” and Purdue Northwest’s $10,000,000 contribution to a Roberts Impact Lab.
Officials said the bank building at 475 Fayette Street has been converted into 100 market-rate residential units as part of a roughly $25,000,000 redevelopment that includes ground-floor commercial space and event venue capacity; city economic-development staff said the building filled faster than projected. City planners also described a Riverfront District zoning change recently carried by the council that allows additional liquor licenses tied to restaurants, intended to lower barriers for new dining businesses.
Economic-development director Juan Moreno said interest in Hammond is high, describing inbound inquiries from private-sector firms and defense contractors and saying, ‘‘Phone’s always ringing off the hook.” He and the mayor framed the mix of public infrastructure and private investment as part of a coordinated strategy to attract jobs, residents and amenities downtown.
Not every effect is universally welcomed: officials acknowledged concerns about rising property values and tax assessments that could pressure long-term residents. The mayor said such trade-offs are part of growth and emphasized programs tied to homeownership and scholarships as part of a broader civic strategy.
What’s next: City staff said construction will move forward once contractors mobilize after the ceremonial groundbreaking; officials encouraged residents to follow planned construction schedules and use city contact points for questions and complaints.
