The Hammond Gateway Transit Development District (TDD) and the revitalization of the historic Bank of Calumet are key components of downtown Hammond’s redevelopment efforts designed to stimulate economic growth and enhance the community’s appeal.
In fact, these projects are supported by the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA), which plays a crucial role in funding and guiding regional revitalization efforts.
“The Northwest Indiana RDA established the Hammond Gateway TDD in 2022 after close consultation with the city and multiple public meetings and engagement sessions,” said David Wellman, Northwest Indiana RDA director of communications.
The Hammond project is a part of the larger West Lake Corridor project that, when completed, will connect and improve Northwest Indiana’’s rail infrastructure.
“The Hammond Gateway puts the Northwest Indiana RDA in a position to support Hammond’s development efforts around the new station,” said Wellman. “Both the Northwest Indiana RDA and the City of Hammond expect that there will be a great deal of interest since this is the location where the existing line and the new West Lake line will converge.”
Once completed, this project is expected to enhance connectivity between Northwest Indiana and Chicago, making Hammond a more attractive place to live for commuters.
“The upcoming Gateway Train Station on the West Lake Corridor line gives Hammond a tremendous opportunity for new mixed-use residential near the station site,” said Anne Taylor, City of Hammond’s executive director of planning and development.
Supporting residents and showcasing Hammond's proximity to Chicago are key parts of this effort.
“With our booming housing market and our proximity to Chicago, Hammond is poised to become a leader in new urban housing for people jumping the Illinois border to Indiana,” said Taylor.
The initiative also aligns with Hammond’s long-term vision of creating vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that support both local businesses and new residential growth.
At the core of these plans is the makeover of the historic Bank of Calumet. Originally built in 1927, this beautiful building is being turned into a mixed-use space with 100 apartments and over 10,000 square feet for businesses.
“The Banc, an adaptive reuse project for mixed-use residential in the former Bank Calumet, was the first transit-oriented development (TOD) project to be completed in Hammond and in our new TDD,” said Taylor.
Today, residents from all over Northwest Indiana and Illinois call the Banc home.
“Leasing for the apartments began in late summer of this year and the developers have been extremely pleased with numbers,” said Taylor.
The Banc is positioned in the highly sought after Downtown Hammond area–just steps away from the train station.
“The Banc apartments themselves are an attractive draw and part of the redesign of Hohman Avenue,” said Taylor. “This and the upcoming train station work towards the compact, walkable urban core we are working towards.”
Careful, thoughtful planning continues throughout Hammond as the work continues.
“We are planning an Industry Day for the upcoming Gateway Station TOD to get solid input from local and national developers who may be interested in the request for proposals,” said Taylor.
A date for this work has not yet been determined, but Taylor anticipates it to occur prior to the end of the year.
The City of Hammond, along with the RDA and the Indiana Economic Development Commission, has provided strong financial backing for the project, recognizing its potential to drive future developments.
“We are expecting that all the stations in the West Lake Corridor project will have a significant impact on their communities,” said Wellman. “The improved service and ability to competitively access the Chicago job market by train has really been a missing piece of the economic development puzzle in Northwest Indiana for a long time.”
To learn more about the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, please visit its website.
