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Gary, IND. – Today, Mayor Eddie Melton, along with city officials and development partners, showcased the first all new single-family home construction in Gary's historic Aetna neighborhood in decades during a press conference at 5544 E. 10th Avenue.
The event highlighted the progress on a two-story home currently under construction by F&L Group and Square Foot Development, the first home in the beginning of an ambitious 15-home development project representing visible progress in the city's Aetna neighborhood stabilization efforts.
"This is a historic day for Gary and the Aetna community," said Mayor Eddie Melton during today's press conference. "What we're witnessing here brings our community hope and shows proof that Gary's revitalization is moving forward with real results."
The development, spearheaded by local real estate professionals Frederick Long, Laneé Nicole, and developer/builder David Sutor, emerged from a competitive Request for Proposals process initiated by the Gary Redevelopment Commission in 2024. The team's proposal was selected and awarded during the Commission's June 5, 2024, public meeting, demonstrating their financial capacity, strong references, and clear design-build plan for bringing quality, affordable housing options to everyday residents.
Christopher Harris, Executive Director of Redevelopment for the City of Gary, emphasized the strategic importance of the project's location. "These properties were strategically selected to maximize visibility and community impact, particularly along the 10th Avenue corridor served by Gary Public Transportation Corporation's L1 Route and located near the NICTD Miller Station," Harris explained.
The 15 planned homes will include both ranch-style and two-story options, featuring modern amenities and new construction from the ground up. All properties will be built on slab foundations without basements, with ranch homes offering approximately 1,400 square feet starting in the $220s, and two-story homes providing approximately 2,000 square feet starting in the $260s.
Despite title complications stemming from decades of acquisitions under various city administrations that extended the closing process into early 2025, the development team remained committed to the project. The remaining 14 homes are planned for completion on a rolling basis over the next couple of years.
"This project is about building opportunity," said Laneé Nicole, Team Lead for the F&L Group. "As real estate professionals with a deep connection to Gary, we saw the urgent need for new homes that deliver quality housing at an affordable price. This project answers that need."
The Aetna neighborhood offers convenient access to the NICTD Miller Station on the South Shore Line, Gary Public Transportation Corporation's L2 Route, and is located near major highways (I-65, I-94, I-90, and I-80), connecting residents to regional employment hubs. It also offers easy access to local amenities such as Indiana Dunes National Park, Gary’s lakefront beaches, and hiking and biking trails. Financing options and lender referrals will be available to qualified buyers.
The City of Gary continues to seek qualified development teams with demonstrated histories of responsible local investment and the financial resources necessary to rebuild neighborhoods. Those interested in future development opportunities may submit inquiries to redevelopment@gary.gov. For home inquiries, buyers are encouraged to call Frederick Long at 219-406-6927 or email at Fred@FandLGroup.Homes.
Resources for Developers:
Click here to view the Letter of Interest Application.
Click here to view the City of Gary Parcel Map.
Click here to view the City of Gary Disposition of Land Process.
Media Contact:
Erika Blackwell, Chief Communications Officer, City of Gary
eblackwell@gary.gov | (219) 806-6489
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