Gary Metro Station and Downtown TOD Visioning

Gary Metro Station and Downtown TOD Visioning Gary, Indiana

Services Provided

Transportation/Mobility-Oriented Development
Community Planning
Equitable Development
Land Use Planning
Community Engagement

People Involved

Eric Lucas
Aaron Kowalski
Tori Luckenbach
Chris Hermann
Luis Calvo
Tori Luckenbach
Sean Hare
Emily Silvius
Kevin Miller


Downtown TOD visioning for a Metro Station replacement

The Downtown TOD visioning summarizes the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority’s (RDA) and City of Gary’s vision for transformative change in Downtown Gary.

This implementation strategy leverages on-going infrastructure investments, positioning the City of Gary for a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine itself as a center of economic vitality. Current investments span a variety of sources and outcomes, including:

  • Improved commuter rail service to Chicago as a result of the $650 million to double track 18 miles of track, funded by federal, state, and local partners.

  • $6 million in annual funding for 25 years to replace the Gary Metro Station to revitalize the economic development potential of downtown Gary.

  • $12 million dollars of funding for the demolition of blighted property downtown.

  • Transit Development Districts to leverage property and local income tax increment for reinvestment, established by the State of Indiana and administered by the RDA.

Together, these investments have the power to revitalize this once-thriving center, attract new and returning residents and businesses, and restore the City’s tax base.

 

Phase 1 Investment: Gary Metro Station Replacement

The new, safe, accessible, and modern Gary Metro Station will be the heart of a revitalized downtown, boosting connectivity and driving growth. Improvements include a new Multi-modal Station, Parking Deck, and NICTD Platform.

 

Downtown TOD Development Potential: Re-defining Broadway

A walkable Broadway, near the new Gary Metro Station, Marquette Trail, and bus station. The Complete Street is characterized by new development, a flexible street that can be closed to traffic for special events, and multi-modal accessibility to the Station.

 

The TOD has the potential to revitalize the area, attracting investment, population growth, and enhancing the community's vibrancy.

 

Key components of this project include a property and blight elimination strategy, a vision for a modern mullti-modal station, TOD implementation recommendations, streetscape, and connectivity recommendations. Through its work with the RDA, Northern Indiana Commuter Transit NICTD, and the City of Gary, MKSK has supported this transformative opportunity for the community.

This Downtown TOD Visioning was prepared as part of a multi-community TOD Planning Pilot Program funded by the Federal Transit Administration and in collaboration with the RDA and Northern Indiana Commuter Transit District (NICTD) and for a successful funding pitch to the State of Indiana. Since that success in 2023, this process has evolved and expanded to become an overall downtown revitalization strategy for the City in close collaboration with the Northwest Indiana RDA and other regional and state partners. MKSK has served as the master planner for this transformative district both on the economic development and redevelopment side and from a streetscape, placemaking, and community building perspective.