The second phase of East Chicago’s redevelopment plan was launched Tuesday with the groundbreaking of retail buildings in the 2100 block of Broadway in the Indiana Harbor area.
Mayor Anthony Copeland, along with Regional Development Authority Executive Director Bill Hanna and several other officials turned over shovels of dirt where new shops will stand.
The first phase at 2100 Broadway will contain five shops over 6,000 square feet, while across the street at 2105 Broadway a project will house seven storefronts in 8,200 square feet. The former U.S. National Bank building will stay intact, Copeland said.
Normally, new buildings are for new businesses being welcomed into the city. Copeland’s plan, however, honors businesses already in the city.
“We’re already speaking to PNC about staying in the U.S. National building on the corner, but we’ve also spoken to other businesses about relocating their businesses here, and then using those properties to expand out, he said. “One of the businesses we talked to is El Michocano up the street; we told him we can get him into a new space with some outdoor dining, and he seems receptive to the idea.”
A local pharmacy has also been asked to relocate to the new development, Copeland said.
The new retail space comes at a time when the city is revamping Main and Broadway, the area deemed its downtown’s center by Washington-based consultant firm, HyettPalma. The city hired HyettPalma, which also did work for Valparaiso, to come up with a revitalization plan in 2013, according to RDA Executive Director Bill Hanna.
“The city revitalized the beach, which provides amenities to the residents, who’re now moving into the new housing in this area. Now, there will be shopping,” Hanna said. “You usually see revitalization plans for cities spread out over 30 years, but the mayor and the city have done what’s taken others 30 years in three or four.”
Resident Rodger Gates, who now lives in the city’s Prairie Park/Guadalupe area, used to live in the nearby. He said he remembers when there were three movie theaters across the street from each other on Main and a fourth just right up the street.
“There was a large tavern and restaurants all in little buildings along this street, Gates said. “I’m happy to see they’re rebuilding it.”
The city is expected to approach the RDA for the $12 million second installment of its revitalization money at its next meeting, and the RDA is expected to approve it, Hanna said.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.