Eddie Melton, Mayor of Gary, Indiana, has announced a joint investment of $3m with Hard Rock into the city's downtown district, in an effort to spark economic growth.
What was once known as the ‘Magic City’ and the ‘City of the Century’ in the 1950s was later recognized as the murder capital of the US in 1994. Now, Hard Rock Northern Indiana has become an integral component of the blight elimination matching grant program. The program is an economic development bill that makes available two separate grants of $3m to the City of Gary, if the city can raise $6m in matching funds.
The bill was passed by Mayor Melton (pictured), who detailed his vision for the city of Gary, stating, “This catalytic donation for Hard Rock marks a new chapter in Gary’s story, one where we can begin to turn the page on blight and write our future. A future where Gary residents see real change and feel a renewed sense of pride in our downtown Broadway Corridor.”
Prior to the 1970s, Gary was a bustling haven for both American nationals and migrants who flocked to seek work in – what was – the country's largest steel plant. Founded in 1906, the city experienced rapid growth before the eventual decline of the steel industry in the United States. Indeed, the steel plant remains the city’s largest employer.
Today, many abandoned and blighted properties line the streets of Gary – and the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority have helped authorize the bill that aims to get the city back on its feet.
Hard Rock Casino President, Northern Indiana, Matt Schuffert (pictured left), said, “Hard Rock is pleased to support Mayor Melton’s mission to improve the economic development of the City of Gary by demolishing the blighted properties that currently stand in the way.”
Earlier this month, Hard Rock partnered up with Eva Longoria to launch its ‘We Are’ campaign for International Women’s Day 2024.
