Gary, IN – The City of Gary has officially partnered with Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in a bid to bring the highly anticipated Lake County Convention Center to the heart of Gary. This collaboration, approved by the City of Gary’s Board of Works on September 20, represents a bold move aimed at revitalizing the city and boosting regional economic growth. The bid comes in response to the Lake County Board of Commissioners’ Request for Proposals (RFP) for the new convention center.
Mayor Eddie Melton, whose leadership has been transformative for the city, expressed his optimism about this strategic partnership, noting the far-reaching benefits it could bring not just to Gary, but to all of Lake County. “We are happy to join forces with Hard Rock Northern Indiana in our pursuit to secure the bid for the Lake County Convention Center,” said Mayor Melton. “This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our efforts to revitalize Gary and create new development opportunities to serve the entire region.”
The project aligns with Mayor Melton’s longstanding commitment to the economic revival of Gary. His visionary approach, as evidenced by his authorship of Senate Bill 434 during his tenure as a State Senator, has laid the groundwork for bold initiatives like this one. “With Senate Bill 434, a bill I authored during my last session as State Senator, we have the opportunity to be bold and leverage our best assets to maximize what a convention center could yield for Lake County’s economy,” Melton explained. The legislation provides a foundation to boost development by encouraging projects that will generate economic activity and foster regional growth.
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana has been a key player in this partnership, bringing its expertise and resources to the table. Matt Schuffert, President of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, emphasized the casino’s enthusiasm for the project: “Hard Rock Northern Indiana is excited to be the City of Gary’s private partner in creating a successful proposal for the Lake County Convention Center. We are pleased to welcome the addition of Robinson Engineering and AECOM to the project team, adding the expertise needed for a successful bid submission.”
The partnership’s focus now shifts to selecting an optimal location for the convention center. Mayor Melton and the Hard Rock team are considering several strategic sites that will maximize the center’s economic impact. Schuffert stressed the significance of the project: “We believe that this will be a huge economic driver for all of Lake County and will have a large positive impact on the community.”
Mayor Melton elaborated on the broader vision, expressing his belief that Gary’s location, along with its infrastructure, positions the city perfectly to host the convention center. “I believe Gary’s strategic location will attract more visitors, boost tourism, and create numerous job opportunities,” he said. Melton also highlighted the ripple effect the convention center would have on local businesses, saying, “Additionally, it will stimulate local businesses and foster a vibrant community atmosphere, making Gary a more attractive destination for both residents and tourists.”
The bid submission deadline is set for October 16, and both the City of Gary and Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana are confident in their ability to present a winning proposal. The collaboration with industry experts such as Robinson Engineering and AECOM further strengthens their bid, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of design, functionality, and economic feasibility. The Lake County Board of Commissioners is expected to select a developer for the convention center before June 1, 2025.
Under Mayor Melton’s dynamic leadership, Gary continues to pursue transformative projects that align with his vision for a prosperous and thriving community. His ability to unite public and private partners, combined with his relentless drive to push forward ambitious initiatives, has positioned Gary as a city on the rise. This partnership with Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is just the latest example of Mayor Melton’s commitment to securing Gary’s future, not only as a hub for economic growth but as a beacon of opportunity for all of Lake County.
As the city prepares its bid, the excitement and optimism surrounding the project are palpable. Mayor Melton’s leadership, strategic planning, and focus on long-term economic development have galvanized support from across the region. The City of Gary and its partners are poised to bring the Lake County Convention Center to life, marking another milestone in Gary’s ongoing resurgence.
The convention center bid marks a defining moment in Gary’s history, and with Mayor Eddie Melton at the helm, the city is on course for a new era of growth, opportunity, and innovation.–News Desk