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Redevelopment commission hears economic development report; DAX and Jack in the Box slated for downtown Hammond
Summary
Juan Moreno, director of economic development, told the Hammond Redevelopment Commission that a DAX chicken restaurant will locate north of City Hall and that a Jack in the Box franchise and two other restaurants are proposed for a site on Kelly Avenue; staff described additional downtown RFPs and a $1.5 million private investment proposal.
Juan Moreno, director of economic development, told the Hammond Redevelopment Commission on May 7 that several commercial projects and downtown events are moving forward, including a new DAX restaurant north of City Hall.
"The saucy chicken chain known for his famous chicken finger wings and signature sauces is officially coming to Hammond," Moreno said, identifying the proposed DAX site at 5903 Calid Avenue and saying the project hopes to break ground in 2026 and open in 2027. Moreno said a development agreement drafted by the Hammond Redevelopment Council was forwarded to a developer for a project at 6538–42 Kelly Avenue where the franchise interested is Jack in the Box along with two other commercial restaurants.
Moreno also told commissioners that an RFP was published on April 17, 2026 for 5244–46 Home and Avenue (referred to as the Indiana building) with responses due May 19, 2026; staff have received interest for commercial office and mixed-use proposals. He reported a separate prospective $1.5 million investment for redevelopment-owned lot 6433–49 Kennedy Avenue for a commercial restaurant and laundromat, with an estimated six-month timetable for that project.
The staff report included community programming and events: a farmers market beginning May 28 and running consecutive Thursdays through Sept. 24, 2026; a third-district mayor's night out on May 13; a summer pavilion concert series beginning June 13; and National Night Out at Wolf Lake on Aug. 4. Moreno said staff attended recent community events, including a Lakeshore Chamber lunch featuring Phil Talon, identified as CEO of SSCVA.
Why it matters: The projects Moreno described would add commercial activity and private investment to downtown Hammond and the area north of City Hall; if bids and agreements proceed, the projects could mean new jobs, new dining options, and redevelopment of long-vacant parcels. Several of the proposals are at early stages (RFP responses or development agreements under negotiation) and will return to the commission for formal approvals.
What to watch next: RFP responses for 5244–46 Home and Avenue are due May 19, 2026; staff said they expect redevelopment items tied to these proposals to come back to the commission for recommendation or formal action.
