Through technical assistance from the U.S. EPA, the Vita Nuova (VN) team supported the Strong Cities, Strong Communities program in Gary, Indiana, focusing on transit-oriented development. Specifically, VN was tasked with assessing the closure of two train stations in Gary and creating a suburban transit station or justifying further investments in the existing stations. Although the current stations were severely constrained and underutilized, the community remained hopeful that they could be preserved.”
Utilizing a design approach, VN successfully preserved the existing stations, leading to the establishment of the Miller Station as an origination station for Chicago. This innovative strategy not only provided double-tracking but also significantly reduced commute times to 45 minutes, greatly benefiting the community.
VN’s work led to the creation of a new Lakefront District by merging the Miller and Aetna neighborhoods. Key tasks included Route 12 realignment, track realignment, Complete Streets implementation, and establishing a light industrial district. VN facilitated property assembly, engaged with federal and state partners, and drafted a form-based overlay zone adopted by the city of Gary. The regional train operator then utilized and implemented this model at numerous stations throughout northwest Indiana.
The project’s completed milestones include station design, double tracking, an origination platform, traffic calming on Route 20, and infrastructure enhancements along Lake Street to Lake Erie.
A key element of the success was the embedding of a senior EPA officer who advocated within city hall, with the regional train operator, and with the Governor of Indiana. Thank you, Jim Vanderkloot!
For additional information on this project, please visit Gary Lakefront District