Notre Dame School of Architecture partners with officials to revitalize downtown Gary, Indiana
Share this @internewscast.com

GARY, Ind. (WLS) — The announcement of plans to rejuvenate the city of Gary isn’t new, and there’s still no certainty this initiative will succeed.

However, with some financial backing secured and a recent string of positive developments for Gary, there’s a glimmer of hope. For those driving this effort, that’s sufficient motivation to keep moving forward.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

For several decades, the downtown area of Gary, Indiana has been characterized by rundown buildings, closed businesses, and minimal pedestrian activity. This is what Mayor Eddie Melton and his team are determined to transform.

“This plan is for us. In the community. It belongs to every single one of us,” Melton said.

The University of Notre Dame’s architectural school produced the plan. The school has a program devoted to rebuilding war and disaster-torn areas. They are now using that same expertise to partner with cities within 100 miles of the university that need their help in order to reinvent themselves.

“Two buildings across the street from each other, framing a street in a place to have coffee. That will be life-changing in downtown Gary,” said Marianne Cusato with the Notre Dame School of Architecture.

Based on the idea that a city’s downtown is a community’s economic engine, plans are already in place to restore those historic buildings that can be while changing zoning laws to make rebuilding easier and, importantly, moving to eliminate the blight that has plagued the city for years.

“The blight elimination is already underway. That has started with the remediation of a lot of the structures,” Melton said.

Initial funding for the project is coming in part from the state with additional money coming from Gary’s Hard Rock Casino, which, just a few days ago, was approved as the site of a new Lake County Convention Center.

And there is more good news for Gary. It was just a few days ago when the Trump administration agreed to support a merger between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel. The Japanese conglomerate agreed, not just to keep, but to create new union jobs at Gary’s works plant.

The Indiana Legislature has also approved funding for a new downtown Metro center to be built in Gary. And while all of this is years away from fruition, it is a start.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Trump threatens Hamas if Gaza ceasefire collapses as JD Vance to visit Israel

Trump Issues Warning to Hamas Amid Gaza Ceasefire Concerns; JD Vance Plans Visit to Israel

In a recent announcement regarding Vice President JD Vance’s upcoming visit to…
Father arrested for murder after 2-year-old son Xavier Padilla-Aguilera was swept away by Southern California floodwaters

Father Detained on Murder Charges Following Tragic Drowning of 2-Year-Old Son Xavier Padilla-Aguilera in Southern California Floodwaters

A tragic incident in Barstow, California, has led to the arrest of…
Vance warns Hamas as Gaza peace plan's Civilian Military Cooperation Center opens

US Diplomat Vance Issues Strong Warning to Hamas Amid Launch of Gaza’s New Peace Initiative Center

Vice President JD Vance delivered a stern message to Hamas on Tuesday…
Man who sent 'So I raped you' message to New Jersey woman sentenced for 2013 Gettysburg College campus assault

New Jersey Woman’s Assailant Sentenced for 2013 Campus Assault Following Disturbing Message

A man who admitted to sexually assaulting a woman in college in…
AI helps 'Predator Poachers' expose elementary school music teacher accused of 'sexting' teen

AI Assists in Uncovering Elementary Music Teacher’s Alleged Inappropriate Texts with Teen

An oversight organization in Long Island, New York, employed Artificial Intelligence (AI)…
'21st Century Digital Watergate': Another GOP Senator’s Phone Records Were Targeted by Biden’s DOJ

Biden’s DOJ Under Fire: Allegations of Targeting GOP Senator’s Phone Records in ‘Digital Watergate’ Scandal

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has reportedly had his phone records subpoenaed…
At Least 135 Mutilated Palestinian Bodies Traced to Israeli Prison Accused of Torture

135 Palestinian Bodies Found: Investigation Launched into Alleged Israeli Prison Abuses

In a disturbing development, Gaza health authorities report that 135 bodies of…
The Federal Reserve Wants to Integrate Crypto and Fintech into U.S. Financial System

Federal Reserve Plans to Embrace Crypto and Fintech in U.S. Financial System Overhaul

In a notable shift towards digital advancement, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher J.…
No leads after veteran hit-and-run

Community Seeks Justice: No Leads in Hit-and-Run Case Involving Local Veteran

In pursuit of justice, the family of Edward Hopkins Jr. is demanding…
Texas mom on '40 Under 40' list arrested for leaving baby on Florida beach

Texas Mom Featured in ’40 Under 40′ Arrested After Incident Involving Baby on Florida Beach

A promising figure in the Texas healthcare scene, recently recognized on a…
Previously deported illegal immigrant allegedly kills man in hit-and-run after returning to US: DHS

Previously Deported Immigrant Accused in Fatal Hit-and-Run After Reentering U.S.: DHS Reports

The Department of Homeland Security has reported a tragic incident involving an…
Attempted murder suspect with four prior cases walks free on $9.5K bond after brutal trail attack

Suspect in Attempted Murder, with Four Prior Charges, Released on $9.5K Bond Following Violent Trail Assault

Florida trail attack suspect escorted to sheriff’s cruiser Jacoby Tillman, a 23-year-old…