When Thomas M. McDermott Sr., former mayor of the City of Hammond, fought for the creation of the Hammond Marina in the late ‘80s, he did so knowing that it might place future political endeavors in the Region in jeopardy. The $23 million (closer to $58 million today when adjusted for inflation) development was one of a series made in the Region during the time tapping into the economic potential of Lake Michigan. If it failed, it may have spelt the end for Hammond.
30 years later, it’s abundantly clear that the marina was a launchpad for further development in Hammond. From the Horseshoe Casino to the miles of sandy Lake Michigan beach, the marina has become a travel destination throughout the Region and the Midwest.
“If it wasn’t for Mayor Tom Sr.’s vision and wherewithal, the City of Hammond wouldn’t have this beautiful space and economic engine that has helped Hammond compete and thrive over the past 30 years,” said Milan Kruszynski, director of the Hammond Port Authority, in a press release.
In honor of the elder McDermott’s commitment to revitalizing Hammond as mayor, the Hammond Marina was renamed the Thomas M. McDermott, Sr. Hammond Marina on October 13. Many who have been impacted by the development elder McDermott’s career brought to Hammond came out to honor the former mayor during the rededication ceremony at the marina.
“I’ve been thinking about this day for a long time,” said Hammond’s current Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. "There are people who came from as far away as California and Michigan who came here for this special event; friends my father hasn’t seen in years came from far away to be here.”
The marina is located just 12 nautical miles from Chicago, making it a perfect launching point or way-stop for Lake Michigan’s boating community. The marina’s boating season begins on May 1 and extends through October 15. Docking at the marina offers a fuel dock, 24-hour security, and winter storage for vehicles among other benefits. Slip rates can be found here alongside a dock map.
In addition to everything to do on the water, the Thomas M. McDermott, Sr. Hammond Marina has many amenities on land within walking distance of the dock. With curated pedestrian trails connecting the dock to the beach, the casino, the state-of-the-art Wolf Lake Aquatic Play Center, and more, the marina remains a hub of Hammond’s economic growth three decades after the elder McDermott brought the idea to the city.
“Whenever I’m at the marina, I always think about what my dad did up here,” said the younger McDermott. “All the economic development dollars we have enjoyed as a city, in the hundreds of millions of dollars, wouldn’t have happened if we didn’t have the casino and marina. We’ve got my dad to thank for that and I think renaming the marina is a fitting tribute.”
To conclude the dedication, the elder McDermott offered a reflection on what the marina was created as and what it has become.
“It’s awesome to be here with a bunch of friends. That’s what it was always meant to be: a bunch of friends. What we were thinking and what we were planning was pretty unbelievable,” he said. “The marina is an unbelievable place, and it’s provided so many unbelievable opportunities. Everybody chipped in and made this happen.”
The full dedication ceremony, including speeches from the McDermott family, can be viewed below:
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To learn more about everything the Thomas M. McDermott, Sr. Hammond Marina has to offer the City of Hammond, visit www.hammondmarina.com.
Stay up to date with everything happening in the City of Hammond by visiting www.gohammond.com.
