Andy Young might be one of Gary’s largest landowners, but he doesn’t own land that might be used for a new convention center.
However, if the property’s footprint expands, he might have to sell some.
“I’ve been in communication with the casino already,” Young said.
Young was rumored to own some land that is planned to be used for the new Lake County Convention Center, which Gary unanimously received a bid from the Lake County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday.
The Lake County Convention Center is a collaboration between the city of Gary and Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. The facility, if built, will be located along the I-80 corridor between I-294 and I-65, according to a project proposal from the city and casino.
Gary and Hard Rock plan to build a 145,000-square-foot convention center and Hard Rock Hotel near the casino, according to Post-Tribune archives. The plan is for the property to also have space for two additional hotels, including one REVERB by Hard Rock Hotel, and two restaurants and retail spaces.
Following Wednesday’s meeting, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said he believes it’s possible for construction to start this year, but he doesn’t know yet.
“We want to make sure everything is done right,” he said.
Young believes the convention center will be positive for Gary.
“I don’t think anyone can paint it as a losing proposition,” he said.
Based on Gary and Hard Rock’s proposal, the convention center will be built on land that is already owned by the casino. Young believes “the footprint of the development” will extend past what is already owned.
Young doesn’t expect that he will have to work with the city of Gary if the footprint extends.
The city and Young have a contentious relationship, including a court battle that goes back to 2005 when the city brought a nuisance complaint against Andy’s Truck and Equipment Co., claiming it violated local ordinances. The site was zoned for limited manufacturing and not junkyard use, and Young did not receive a city-issued business license to operate at its West 11th Avenue location.
Young told the Post-Tribune that he’s been “trying to work with the city for years” to develop areas near the interstate. He believes the convention center selection will show other investors that development can happen in Gary.
“All development builds on other development,” Young said. “In Gary’s case, because there’s been a certain stigma that’s been attached to Gary, … there’s been a reluctance of developers to tread there.”