Gary Indiana - University Park
The Vision For University Park
Four years ago, the City of Gary engaged the community in the creation of a strategic plan. This plan identified four revitalization nodes, where the City committed to pursue major redevelopment efforts. The University Park district was selected as one of these nodes, along with downtown, the lakefront and the Gary Airport. These four areas will play a significant role in offering opportunities for new development and furthering Gary's overall goals for revitalization.
With the City's commitment to University Park, the involvement of major institutions such as Indiana University, Northwest, Ivy Tech State College, and the participation of local residents and businesses, a vision for the University Park District has been created. University Park will offer vibrant neighborhoods, excellent institutions and community support facilities all linked by a variety of green spaces. It will be a strong community known for the quality of its streets, the vibrancy of its neighborhoods, and remarkable open spaces, parks and trails.
The vision will foster a strong residential community that is supported by an attractive housing stock. Successful institutions will bring students and staff to the district and offer a range of services and facilities to its residents. Active storefronts and offices will line local corridors.
The University Park District will be home to a diverse population of existing long-time residents and new families, seniors, young people and students. Residents will live in the neighborhood’s historic housing stock, many of which will be renovated. New single-family homes, town-homes and apartments will offer a range of housing choices for existing residents and newcomers.
The district's educational institutions will all grow. Expansion will include core educational activities and collaborations with new community, cultural and performance facilities. The resources of the University of Indiana Northwest will also be committed to support the development of housing, shopping and office activities.
Broadway will regain its historic prominence as a neighborhood-shopping district. Restaurants and entertainment will brighten Broadway and Ridge Road in renovated and new buildings, attracting lunchtime and evening crowds and visitors. Broadway will also be home to offices associated with state government, local institutions and local businesses. Workers from these new businesses, joined by students and residents, will add to the vibrancy of the street at lunchtime and after work.
Nearby highway interchanges will offer retailing and hotels to local and cross-country travelers. Each will offer job opportunities to University Park residents. The Grant Street corridor will continue to offer opportunities for larger stores to the region.
The most intense activity, and larger buildings, will be developed on Broadway, Grant Street and Ridge Road. These corridors will provide a focus and an identity for the district. University Park’s residential blocks will retain their historic character, with appropriately scaled and well-designed housing.
New streetscaping and landscaping will signify arrival into the new University Park District for residents, workers, students and visitors. New sidewalks, streetlights, street furniture and landscaping will create attractive streetscapes on Broadway, 35th Avenue and Ridge Road that make these attractive pedestrian streets.
The University Park District will realize its potential as a focal point in the region’s open space and waterway system. Gleason Park and the Little Calumet River Trail will offer walking, cycling, golfing and other recreational opportunities in a natural setting. Neighborhood streets will provide connections to these valuable natural resources.
University Park will become a high-quality and attractive place to live, work, study, shop, play and visit. The University Park District will become a model for all neighborhoods in the new city of Gary and in Northwest Indiana.
