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Midtown Broadway named Indiana Main Street; Gary outlines revitalization plans
Summary
City of Gary Redevelopment Commission heard a presentation recognizing Midtown Broadway as a Main Street cultural heritage and music district and outlined near-term plans including façade work, public-safety collaboration, streetscape improvements and gateway signage.
The City of Gary Redevelopment Commission on March 11 heard a presentation announcing that the Midtown Broadway Cultural Heritage and Music District has received an official Main Street designation from the State of Indiana.
Paris Robinson, speaking on behalf of Broadway Main Street Communities, told commissioners the designation marks "the first Main street in Lake county and the city of Gary, Indiana," and called it a milestone for local revitalization. Robinson thanked Mayor Melton and commission staff, and credited Chris Harris in redevelopment staff for helping secure the designation.
Robinson described a program of work focused on honoring the district's history while encouraging new commerce and activity. He said the district's rough boundaries run along Broadway from 21st to 27th, with 25th Avenue and Harrison forming the corridor's east–west edges. He listed anchor sites the commission expects to center programming around, including Gary Roosevelt High School and historic homes tied to the Jackson family and actor Avery Brooks.
Planned actions Robinson outlined include façade improvements for existing businesses, collaboration with the Gary Police Department to "improve and sustain public safety," targeting vacant lots for mixed-use redevelopment, a streetscape project to accommodate cars, buses and bicycles, and public art and gateway signage to strengthen place-making. Robinson said the group is also exploring additional Main Street designations for downtown and uptown Broadway in future phases.
Chris Harris, redevelopment director, told the commission the designation will inform capital priorities and programming as the city plans for consolidated TIFF funds in 2027: "This is just the beginning," he said, adding that the whole music district falls within the TIFF so the commission can target future capital outlays to support the area.
The presentation drew staff recognition and a pledge from the redevelopment commission to continue supporting the new district through planning and future funding decisions. The commission did not take a formal vote on funding at the March 11 meeting; staff indicated subsequent agenda items and TIFF planning will determine next steps.
