The City of Hammond and Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) have created one more reason to visit Hammond. Years in the making, the Gateway Station will improve not only rail travel but also allow for continued growth in the Region.
The Transit Development District (TDD) area around the Hammond Gateway Station sits on 314 acres and will support both the South Shore line and downtown Hammond.
Anne Taylor, executive director of planning and development for the City of Hammond, notes that the Gateway Station is a larger piece of Hammond’s long-term goals.
“Our city wants to draw new people to our community to live, work and play, while also supporting our existing residents to live their best lives,” said Taylor. “Our goals are to increase our population and strengthen our economy.”
Focusing on the goal of economic growth and quality of life, Hammond is one of several municipal organizations and advocates with Transit Development Districts.
“The new Transit Development Districts in Hammond have become just another tool in our toolbox to help us make new development as great as it can be for our residents,” said Taylor.
In addition to the Gateway Station, town officials are looking forward to a variety of projects throughout Hammond.
Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr.’s strategic goals and those of the Hammond Gateway station development project are key pieces of this opportunity.
Additionally, city officials have taken steps to ensure that the Hammond Gateway station will enhance the already existing neighborhood.
“Not only do we want the best development possible around this new train station, but we also want it to work seamlessly into the neighborhood,” said Taylor. “We want new places to walk and eat and play for the new and existing residents.”
Understanding that once visitors see all Hammond can offer new residential and retail spaces will be needed, town officials have multiple plans in the works.
“We want to build a variety of new housing options for these new residents,” said Taylor. “We also want to make sure the quality of life for them is robust--with fun outdoor activities, great retail, and a variety of great restaurants.”
Bringing all these goals to fruition centers around the upcoming Hammond Gateway station and the transit development districts.
“Hammond does have many long-term goals that may seem varied but are all tied together,” said Taylor. “Our upcoming Gateway station and the potential for new transit-oriented development will fulfill many of these goals.”
As a partner for this work and others, the Northwest Indiana RDA hopes to support and add value to the additional opportunities in Hammond.
“The Northwest Indiana RDA has been a great partner for the City of Hammond for years,” said Taylor.
For example, while currently supporting the Hammond Gateway station, the Northwest Indiana RDA was crucial in the previous redevelopment of the Wolf Lake area.
Today Wolf Lake is home to amusement parks, triathlons, midnight bike rides and races, boating, citizenship ceremonies, and more.
“As a result of the redevelopment of the Wolf Lake area, the Pavilion at Wolf Lake and its surrounding green areas hosts the Festival of the Lakes each July,” said Taylor.
Aligning with the City of Hammond is just one of many ventures for the Northwest Indiana RDA. In fact, the Northwest Indiana RDA has been pivotal in supporting Transit Development Districts throughout Northern Indiana.
Taylor has seen firsthand what Northwest Indiana RDA and its partners can do.
“Maximizing our train stations will create positive, year-round development for all of Hammond,” Taylor said. “We are working with the RDA and NICTD now on the Gateway Station area and its future transit-oriented development.”
Plans and proposals for new housing, retail, and commercial spaces will be accepted in the spring of 2024.
“The City of Hammond has so much potential here along with the Downtown Hammond area,” Taylor said.
To learn more about the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and upcoming projects, visit in.gov/rda.