The City of Gary and Gary Redevelopment Commission (collectively “The City”) seeks an anchor development for hospitality/tourism, commerce, and potential eco-tourism, to complement the Indiana dunes waterfront, while capitalizing on significant year-round traffic.
Click here to download 860 N Lake St RFP (final) – posted 4-23-19
This is a unique opportunity to provide an asset solely available at this location. Lake Street Beach is the northernmost activity center along a newly revitalized commercial corridor currently undergoing nearly $400 million in public investment.
The City will consider the following uses:
– hospitality/hotels/lodging
– restaurants and dining
– unique attractions (science centers, museums, recreational amenities, etc.)
– tourist-oriented retail and pedestrian-oriented commerce
As a destination site with a substantial potential impact, a responsive proposal will not only be an economic driver, but also respect the surrounding environment and enhance the quality of life for Gary’s residents. Gary’s residents and local businesses have communicated the following guiding principles through robust public conversation via the Marquette Plan (2005), City of Gary Comprehensive Plan (ongoing), Gary Northside Redevelopment Project (2013), and Miller Neighborhood Spotlight Initiative (ongoing).
Focus on Eco-Tourism: The Indiana Dunes National Park draws 3.5 million visitors annually. The Property’s redevelopment is the single best chance to increase park traffic and highlight our natural assets. A responsive proposal will make the connection between nature and commercial opportunity.
Preservation of Public Access: The Property includes a 600-foot stretch of Lake Street, the central north-south corridor that connects Lake Michigan’s beachfront with the Lake Street commercial node and Miller rail station. Lake Street and the existing Chanute Trail must remain freely accessible public rights-of-way providing access to the waterfront and park network. Public access of the beach is non-negotiable, and a responsive proposal will preserve/enhance public access to the Lake Michigan waterfront and seek to re-purpose or replace existing utilities and public facilities, including public restrooms.
Protection of Existing Dunes and Wetlands: While the majority of the site consists of an already developed footprint, to the extent these areas abut natural dune features, a responsible proposal will preserve and enhance the natural assets that make the site unique and attractive; new development will observe a natural buffer from neighboring residences and natural assets.
Attractive, Responsible Design: Whether reconstruction of the existing facility or construction of a new facility, design choices will complement and enhance the lakefront’s natural beauty. A responsive proposal will reflect the character of the lakeshore and exemplify accessibility through context sensitive universal design standards and pedestrian-oriented principles.
RFP Timeline:
Week of April 22, 2019: Request for Proposals issued
June 19, 2019: Responses due to City of Gary Redevelopment Commission Responses opened at a public hearing
June 21, 2019: Notification to responsive bidders in advance of public presentation
Week of June 24, 2019: Responsive bidders will present their proposals at a public meeting
July 17, 2019: Gary Redevelopment Commission award at public hearing
Questions regarding this Request for Proposals can be directed to the following (email correspondence is strongly
preferred):
Joe van Dyk
City of Gary Redevelopment Commission
504 Broadway, S200
Gary, Indiana 46403
(219) 886-1531
jvandyk@ci.gary.in.us