Replacing the downtown Gary Metro Station has advanced to the next stage, with the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority starting the search for an architect.
The project includes a new multimodal station serving both the South Shore Line and Gary Public Transportation Corp. and an associated parking garage.
Firms or teams are invited to submit statements indicating their qualifications for architectural and design services.
The city of Gary also will be involved in selecting the architect, design reviews and milestone approvals. It’s paying $3 million a year for 25 years for the project, matching the state’s identical commitment.
More Top Picks Best Keyboard
The Gary Metro Center Revitalization Board, which oversees the project, has three members each from the city and the RDA. It’s chaired by Troy Woodruff, who was appointed by Gov. Mike Braun.
The RDA is specifically looking for firms to deal with pre-construction services like “site analysis, survey, geotechnical investigations (if not already provided), preliminary design, cost-estimating, scheduling, constructability reviews, value engineering and permitting.”
The architectural and engineering design involves ensuring compliance with all applicable codes, standards and owner requirements.
As it considers these requests for qualifications, the RDA could make one total award, multiple awards, one for each section, or a combination of awards.
The new station is anticipated in strategic plans for both the RDA and the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, which owns and operates the South Shore Line. The new station will include 12 bays for accommodating GPTC buses.
A transit development district offering tax incentives for developers surrounding the station was created to spur private investments downtown, and the buzz of a new train station is expected to increase additional interest.
Doug Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.