In what Gary Mayor Eddie Melton called a “historic and monumental day,” the City of Gary has officially been selected as the future site of the long-anticipated Lake County Convention Center. The momentous decision, announced on Wednesday, May 15, marks a significant turning point not only for Gary but for the entire Northwest Indiana region—signaling new hope for economic transformation, job creation, and long-term revitalization in a city that has long battled disinvestment and negative perceptions.
The Lake County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve Gary’s proposal over a competing bid submitted by the City of Hobart. The winning proposal was submitted by the City of Gary in partnership with Hard Rock Northern Indiana and global design and infrastructure firm AECOM. At the heart of the plan is a 145,000-square-foot convention center situated near the existing Hard Rock Casino, accompanied by a 300-room Hard Rock Hotel, two additional hotels including a REVERB by Hard Rock, and new restaurants and retail spaces.
“This is a win for Gary and a win for Lake County,” Mayor Melton said in an interview with the Crusader shortly after the vote. “For decades, Gary has been overlooked in regional economic plans. Today, that narrative changes. We fought for this, and now we’ve won.”
The moment carried profound personal significance for Melton. As a state senator in 2023, he authored Senate Bill 434, a key piece of legislation that established the framework and funding for the Lake County Convention Center. The bill earmarked $100 million in matching funds from the state, created a blighted property demolition fund, and supported infrastructure investments including a new train station in downtown Gary.
“Senate Bill 434 was the last bill I passed before stepping down to run for mayor,” Melton said. “To now stand as mayor and see it through is nothing short of transformational. This is a full-circle moment.”
The project will be funded without raising taxes on local residents. Revenue will come from gaming taxes, a $30 million contribution from Hard Rock over 20 years, and the $100 million in state matching funds. Commissioner Jerry Tippy clarified that income taxes from other communities in Northwest Indiana would not be used for the project. Melton emphasized during a WJOB/JED-TV interview that “no tax dollars from residents’ pockets” will fund construction.
In a county often divided along political, racial, and geographic lines, the commissioners’ unanimous vote sent a strong message of unity and vision for the future. “This is for Lake County, and hopefully, the future ends up being quite bright,” said Commissioner Mike Repay. “This is a step in the right direction.”
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana President Matt Schuffert called the selection “a tremendous moment” for the region. “Together, we have the chance to create a world-class destination that generates economic opportunity, creates jobs, drives tourism, and supports local businesses.”
Construction is expected to begin as early as 2026, though Melton cautioned that groundwork—including finalizing partnerships and securing construction timelines—must be completed first. “We want to make sure everything is done right,” he said.
The development is expected to generate hundreds of union construction jobs and create long-term positions in hospitality and facility management. Hard Rock has already committed to operating the center, leveraging its proven expertise in food and beverage services, entertainment, and tourism. Randy Palmateer, business manager for the Northwestern Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, confirmed that Hard Rock agreed to negotiate a project labor agreement, ensuring union labor participation.
AECOM, the global infrastructure firm responsible for major projects including the Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) in Los Angeles, will lead the center’s design and development. “We’re ready to hit the ground running,” said Managing Principal Jeannette Peruchini.
The announcement comes after years of disinvestment in Gary, once a thriving steel town now grappling with decades of economic decline. But signs of a turnaround have been emerging. In recent years, FedEx opened a logistics facility at the Gary/Chicago International Airport, bringing 600 jobs to the city. Homicides are down 27 percent, and Indiana University research suggests Gary’s population is stabilizing for the first time in 50 years.
“This is a turning point,” Melton said. “Gary is no longer a city of what was—it’s a city of what’s next.”
During the bid campaign, Gary and Hard Rock mobilized a wide-reaching public effort that included community forums, support letters from business and civic leaders, and a $50,000 media campaign promoting the proposal. The ads, aired on TV and digital platforms, featured iconic local scenes and highlighted projected economic impacts.
The grassroots support was overwhelming. “Churches, union leaders, residents from Hammond to East Chicago, they called, they emailed, they showed up,” Melton said. “This project became a movement.”
Despite strong opposition from some quarters—particularly Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott and East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland, both of whom expressed concerns about casino competition—Melton maintained a diplomatic tone. “Mayor McDermott even texted me congratulations,” Melton said on JED-TV. “He had to speak for his city. I respect that. But I had to stand for mine.”
East Chicago’s City Council notably voted in favor of Gary’s bid, bucking their mayor’s stance. “That kind of regional collaboration is rare and powerful,” Melton said. “And it speaks volumes about where we are headed together.”
Critics have raised concerns about potential revenue loss to other casinos in the area. According to the Indiana Gaming Commission, Hammond’s Horseshoe Casino has seen approximately $13 million in annual losses since the opening of Hard Rock Northern Indiana. East Chicago has reported similar declines. However, Melton insists the broader economic growth will benefit all.
“This isn’t a zero-sum game,” he said. “When Gary grows, the region grows.”
Supporters agree. Phil Taillon, President and CEO of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, said, “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our visitor economy. We’re ready to lead the region into a new era.”
Several major organizations have already committed to holding events at the new center, including the DJX Show, the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers, Playa Bowls’ Franchisee Summit, and the Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana. Local officials are optimistic that more regional and national events will follow.
For Gary residents, the convention center represents more than just new buildings—it’s about restoring pride. “This is about showing the world that Gary is not a forgotten city,” said longtime resident Delores Green, who attended multiple commissioner meetings in support of the proposal. “We deserve this. We’ve earned this.”
Melton echoed those sentiments during his interview. “For the first time in a long time, Gary was not an afterthought,” he said. “We were the plan.”
Online reactions to the announcement have been celebratory. Across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X, residents and regional leaders have shared photos, reflections, and congratulatory messages tagging Mayor Melton and city leaders. Among them were posts from local pastors, former city officials, union organizers, business leaders, and residents proud to see Gary in the spotlight for positive news.
In a Facebook post, Melton thanked the many residents, organizations, and leaders who helped push the proposal forward. “To everyone who made a call, wrote a letter, attended a meeting, or simply believed—this win is yours,” he wrote. “Now the work begins.”
Melton said future updates will include community engagement sessions, economic opportunity briefings for contractors and job seekers, and further site renderings once finalized with AECOM. The city also plans to establish a community advisory board to monitor progress and ensure transparency throughout the project’s implementation.
As Gary moves forward, Mayor Melton sees this project as a model for how strategic partnerships and community-led planning can overcome deep-rooted challenges. “This didn’t happen by chance,” he said. “It happened because people believed. Now, the rest of the world is starting to believe in Gary too.”