City of Gary Secures Historic "Indiana Main Street" Designation for Midtown Corridor

First Cultural Main Street in Indiana to specifically honor a Historically Black Neighborhood.

GARY, IND. — Mayor Eddie Melton announced today that the City of Gary has been officially designated as an Indiana Main Street community for its historic Midtown corridor, officially named “The Midtown Broadway Cultural Heritage & Music District.” Bestowed by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), this designation makes Gary home to the only officially recognized Indiana Main Street in Lake and Porter Counties. It also marks a statewide milestone as Indiana’s first-ever Cultural Main Street specifically honoring a Historically Black Neighborhood.

The designated district, bound approximately by Broadway to Harrison Street and 21st Avenue to 27th Avenue, will be stewarded by the newly formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Gary Broadway Main Streets Inc.

"Broadway is the front door to the core of our city," said Mayor Eddie Melton. "Gary has a cultural legacy that was resilient enough to persist despite many historical challenges. This designation is a foundational step in formalizing our vision for a premier Musical District. By leveraging Gary’s unique African American experience and music history, we are driving tourism, supporting our local entrepreneurs, and creating a curated destination right here along Gary’s Statehouse 'Two-Five' corridor."

This achievement is the culmination of two and a half years of collaborative effort with OCRA and the Lt. Governor's Office. The initiative executes a vital component of Eze Redwood's Economic Development Administration (EDA) Economic Recovery Corps scope of work, awarded in Fall 2023. Local urban and community planner Parisrice Robinson, President and CEO of Gary Broadway Main Streets Inc., spearheaded the 501(c)(3) creation and the rigorous application process, drawing on her success in establishing multiple Main Streets in the Florida region.

The Gary Broadway Main Streets Board of Directors includes:

• Parisrice Robinson, President

• Shirley Ballard-Davis, Owner of The Elbow Room (Treasurer)

• CoCo Owens, NY Life Insurance Agent (Secretary)

• Christopher Harris, Gary Redevelopment Executive Director

• Eze Redwood, Economic Recovery Corps Fellow / Gary Economic Development

Driving Economic Vitality and Support for Small Businesses

This designation marks a shift toward a proven, data-driven framework for local economic growth. The state will provide technical assistance and access to Community Liaisons to help the district track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), measuring visitor traffic and economic growth.

"We are ensuring that no business is left behind," Parisrice Robinson added. "This program provides our Midtown shops with a cohesive brand, professional marketing support, and the technical training to become recession-proof and scalable."

Through creative placemaking, the district will see aesthetic improvements designed to encourage visitors to linger and support local commerce. Projects within the district will be supported by a versatile funding mix, including CDBG dollars, state grants, and philanthropic support. Furthermore, the designation strengthens Gary's position to establish a Cultural District with the Indiana Arts Commission and collaborate with organizations such as the Legacy Foundation to unlock additional funding for cultural activation.

“This Main Street initiative aligns directly with the Gary Redevelopment Commission’s resolution to revitalize the Midtown Corridor, creating an organized identity that will attract new businesses, residents, and visitors to the heart of the city,” said Christopher Harris, Gary Executive Director of Redevelopment.

Contact:
Steve Segura,  
Chief Communications Officer
City of Gary
stsegura@gary.gov

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