About Hammond, Indiana

North Hammond rolling out the welcome mat

Hammond and Whiting are looking to attract outsiders into their  communities. Both cities are in the process of drafting a Southern Shore District Improvement Plan, a collaborative effort geared toward future development of both communities north of 129^th Street, with one of the goals being to make it more of a destination for visitors.

Focus areas are the lakefront, Indianapolis Boulevard corridor and 119^th Street in downtown Whiting, said Beth Jacobson, director of economic development for Hammond.

“One goal is to strengthen the main commercial corridors and bring more retail and tourism-related businesses to Hammond,” Jacobson said.

Jacobson said Horseshoe Casino is currently the top attraction in the state, the Lost Marsh Golf Course hosts a number of events and the Regional Development Authority has made significant investment around Wolf Lake.

Under the current draft of the plan, which Jacobson said could be adopted this fall, two of the 10 goals would be to further enhance the lakefront by building on its amenities — the casino, Hammond Marina, Whiting Lakefront Park and Whihala Beach, and to further grow recreation uses by focusing on recreation-related businesses and tourism and hosting more events that draw a large number of visitors.

The plan also looks to meet the retail needs of residents and visitors and encourage business growth in downtown Whiting, along Indianapolis Boulevard and in regional commercial districts.

Jacobson said the Super Wal-Mart in north Hammond has proven to be a draw for both Hammond and Chicago residents. She hopes the land around the retail giant will be developed in the next couple years with more retail and sit-down restaurants.

“There is such a need for restaurants,” she said.

Other goals include providing more senior housing, maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods, developing a common theme for major corridors and continued beautification efforts by local businesses, such as the $800,000 investment by Unilever. Half of the money for landscaping and wrought iron fencing at the manufacturer came from the city through tax increment financing funds.