Gary Indiana - University Park

Housing in University Park

University Park is presented with a number of challenges it must address and a number of opportunities it can take advantage of to achieve its vision of the future.

RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS

University Park is organized into approximately. 25 residential blocks that are home to a low rise housing stock of bungalows and single family homes.

CHALLENGES

• The population of the area has been declining. Between 1990 and 2000 the population, within one mile of University Park fell from 14,000 to 10,350.
• There are a high number of vacant housing units in the area.
• More than 50% of homes show some deferred maintenance and an additional 14% are in a deteriorated condition.
• Median home values are lower than elsewhere in the region for comparable units.
• There is a significant amount of vacant lots on residential blocks, and larger areas of vacant land where residential blocks were not completed.
• There are few options for single people, small families or seniors who do not want a single family home.

OPPORTUNITIES

• There are indications that the population decline has slowed in recent years.
• The housing stock is basically sound, with most units requiring moderate improvements.
• Vacant lots offer opportunities for new single family housing.
• Larger parcels of vacant land within neighborhood and along the Broadway corridor provide opportunities for new types of housing to meet community needs.
• There is market demand for single family homes, townhomes and rental apartment units.
• In addition to the 225 units sold each year in the Glen Park area as a whole, between 45 and 55 new units could sold each year.