Gary Metro Station Project Began Architect Search
Construction firms can now submit qualifications for the new multimodal station and parking garage project in downtown Gary.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Construction
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The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) has initiated the search for an architect for the new Gary Metro Station. This multimodal facility will serve the South Shore Line and the Gary Public Transportation Corp.
Why it matters
The project is expected to drive private investment interest in downtown Gary by consolidating transit services and adding a new parking garage. It is supported by $6 million in combined annual funding from the city and state over the next 25 years.
The city and state have each committed $3 million annually for 25 years to support the development, which features a 12-bay bus terminal. The six-member Gary Metro Center Revitalization Board oversees the project implementation.
The players
Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority
A quasi-governmental entity tasked with coordinating regional infrastructure investments and economic development in Indiana.
Troy Woodruff
The chair of the Gary Metro Center Revitalization Board who oversees project governance.
Gary Public Transportation Corp.
The municipal transit operator serving the city of Gary and a key stakeholder in the new multimodal station.
The details
The RDA is accepting statements of qualifications from architectural and design teams for the facility, which also includes an associated parking garage. The authority retains the discretion to issue single or multiple awards for various project sections. A newly established transit development district is intended to incentivize surrounding private development.
Timeline
The 25-year duration applies to the annual funding commitments from both the city and the state.
Market Landscape
This development follows the pattern of utilizing transit-oriented tax incentives established by Indiana transit development district legislation. The station serves as a anchor for downtown revitalization strategies shared by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District.
Architectural and engineering firms should review the qualification requirements to determine if they can bid on individual project sections or the integrated design package. Developers should track the progress of the transit development district as a signal for potential real estate investment opportunities downtown.
The takeaway
The project uses long-term public funding commitments to de-risk private investment in the station area. Operators should monitor the RDA's upcoming award announcements to identify potential sub-contracting opportunities in the project's design and construction phases.
Further reading
For more information on regional development projects, visit the Construction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Tribune.
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