Preparations have started for the Lake County Convention Center, and the county commissioners are excited for what the development will bring to Northwest Indiana.
“It will be a worthwhile investment,” said Commissioner Kyle Allen, D-1st. “Gaming revenue impacts every level of government — at the state level, at the county level and at the city level. We must remain competitive.”
The three members of the Lake County Board of Commissioners spoke about the Lake County Convention Center at the Gary Chamber of Commerce’s Monday meeting. Chuck Hughes, president and CEO of the Gary Chamber of Commerce, asked the commissioners — Allen; Jerry Tippy, R-2nd; and Mike Repay, D-3rd — questions about the convention center’s progress.
Tippy told audience members Monday that the process is “taking a little bit longer” than what commissioners originally wanted. They are working on a development agreement, Tippy said, and are close to finishing that and finalizing the financial plan.
In May, the commissioners selected Gary and Hard Rock Northern Indiana as the winning bid for the convention center, according to Post-Tribune archives. As the selected bid, Gary and Hard Rock plan to build a 145,000-square-foot convention center and Hard Rock hotel near the casino, and the property will have space for two additional hotels, including one REVERB by Hard Rock Hotel, and two restaurants and retail spaces.
State, county or local income taxes from other Northwest Indiana communities will not be used for the convention center, Tippy previously said, but Gary has the option to use their local taxes.
Gary plans to put money from gaming taxes toward the convention center, and Hard Rock plans to give $1.5 million per year for 20 years toward the construction, according to Post-Tribune archives. State matching grants of $100 million will be made available as well, which Indiana will pay over the course of 20 years.
The city of Hobart, partnered with Garfield Public/Private LLC, also submitted a convention center proposal. County commissioners could have chosen not to accept either proposal.
Months after the decision was made, Repay said the commissioners still stand by their unanimous decision on the winning proposal.
“I know how we think and what we care about,” Repay said. “And we care, ultimately, about what’s good for the county as a whole, and what we care about is good, smart government and good investment in the people and product of Lake County.”
The commissioners believe that the convention center will benefit the region, bringing more jobs and visitors to Northwest Indiana.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton previously told the Post-Tribune that the convention center will be positive for the city, and he’s excited for its future. In 2023, as an Indiana state senator, Melton created Senate Bill 434, which established the Lake County Convention Center fund, the blighted property demolition fund and new train station funding in downtown Gary.
“That’s going to be great for the city, and it’s going to lead to more property owners, developers, restaurants and jobs,” Melton said.
Allen also believes that the convention center’s location near Interstates 80 and 94 is strategically placed to increase the number of visitors. About 30 million cars pass through Gary and Hammond, Allen said, so the convention center will be on full display.
“If people saw the potential of Gary over a century ago, we should see the potential now,” he said. “We need to stay ahead of the curve and stay competitive.”
mwilkins@chicagotribune.com
