Gary Plans Major Redevelopment of Metro Center Area

Officials aim to repurpose the 1984 transit hub as part of a $150 million infrastructure and housing initiative.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Commercial

Screen-print poster illustration of an iconic transit building silhouette and construction crane against a vast sky, evoking urban renewal. — Gary is launching a $150 million redevelopment project to modernize transit hubs and residential density throughout the city's downtown core. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe large-scale city redevelopment projects will improve the quality of life in your community?

Gary is preparing to overhaul its urban landscape by repurposing the 1984 Gary Metro Center following the construction of a new South Shore Line station. This project coincides with broader plans to clear aging infrastructure and increase residential density throughout the city.

Why it matters

The redevelopment shifts the city's transit focus to a new station at 4th Avenue and Broadway while modernizing land use in downtown Gary. By replacing older facilities with new residential and civic structures, the city aims to reshape its commercial and transit core.

Gary and the state of Indiana each committed $75 million toward the new train station and parking garage. Future development plans include 150 market-rate apartments and 90 additional residential units.

The players

Richard Hunt

He is an American sculptor whose work is featured in the Gary Metro Center.

The details

The city intends to demolish the Genesis Convention Center and St. Mary Mercy Hospital at 540 Tyler Street to facilitate new construction. A new police station is slated for the former convention center site, while the Metro Center itself is under consideration for office or transit-related repurposing.

1984: The Gary Metro Center was completed.

Culture Shift

This project reflects the broader shift toward transit-oriented urban revitalization that reclaims legacy transit hubs for modern mixed-use applications. It aligns with the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) planning model by prioritizing residential density near the newly located South Shore Line terminal.

Residents can anticipate significant changes to transit access as the South Shore Line station shifts to 4th Avenue and Broadway. The planned construction of 240 total housing units suggests a long-term increase in downtown residential capacity.

The takeaway

The move to replace the 1984 Metro Center demonstrates an aggressive shift toward centralizing city services and residential life. Residents should monitor public planning notices for details regarding the specific demolition and construction schedules for the affected properties.