On April 23, Berglund Construction, in partnership with Powers & Sons Construction, officially broke ground on the new Tolleston Opportunity Campus in Gary, Indiana. This significant community investment will serve as a collaborative hub for local organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, Methodist Hospitals, the Crossroads YMCA, and the City of Gary.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the John Will Anderson Gary Club and was attended by key community leaders, including Mayor Eddie Melton and Congressman Frank Mrvan. Mayor Melton spoke to the impact of the project, underscoring its importance to the city's future.
“It is a beautiful day to come together as one community, with one purpose, and to build a brighter future for the city,” Melton said. “We’re not just breaking ground on a building—we’re breaking ground on hope, opportunity, and transformation.”
During the ceremony, the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation announced a new $5 million challenge grant to further enhance the facility, building on their earlier substantial $10 million contribution. With this additional support, the total investment in the project now surpasses $35 million.
Construction is already in progress, with demolition of the previous structure nearly halfway complete. Leading the development are Berglund and Powers & Sons—both family-owned companies with long-standing connections to the Gary community.
“Being a part of the Tolleston Opportunity Campus project is more than just building a facility. It's about building momentum for the entire community of Gary,” said Josh Schoon, Project Executive at Berglund Construction. “We’re honored to partner with Powers & Sons Construction to help bring this vision to life.”
Once completed, the Tolleston Opportunity Campus will offer a wide array of resources and spaces, including a gymnasium, wellness center, classrooms, a child development center, sports fields, and a teaching kitchen. Programming will focus on four core areas: youth development, health and wellness, economic empowerment, and family services.
Planned youth initiatives include after-school programs, summer camps, and mentorship opportunities. Health and wellness services will provide fitness classes, health screenings, and mental health support. The economic empowerment component will offer job training, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial guidance, while family programming will include parenting classes and other community engagement efforts.
“This space is a collaboration that’s unlike anything else in Northwest Indiana,” said Jay Buckmaster, CEO of the Crossroads YMCA. “It’s a place where a child can swim, a parent can receive healthcare in their own neighborhood, and a family can rediscover connection, hope, and well-being. That doesn’t happen in many places—but it’s going to happen here.”
Congressman Frank Mrvan praised the partnership that brought the project to life, pointing to the critical role of the American Rescue Plan in providing federal support.
“When I was elected four years ago, we were in the middle of the pandemic and economic uncertainty,” Mrvan said. “We passed the American Rescue Plan, which provided direct funding to the City of Gary and the state of Indiana. That funding is being used right here in this facility. I’m grateful to witness this moment and to see what’s possible when all levels of government and the private sector come together for the future of Gary and Northwest Indiana.”
Mike Jessen, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, reflected on the organization's roots in Gary, which date back to 1954. He called the new campus a continuation of their longstanding mission to empower and support local youth.
The Tolleston Opportunity Campus is expected to serve thousands of residents each year, providing a safe and inclusive space for education, wellness, and community growth. For stakeholders and residents alike, the project represents a meaningful step toward a more connected and resilient Gary. For more information about the project and Berglund Construction, you can visit berglundco.com.
