Mayor Eddie Melton, Jeannette Peruchini, Managing Principal at AECOM, responsible for design and construction of the convention center, and Matt Schuffert

Gary and Hard Rock say they're the best site for county convention center

Contributed By: The 411 News

Lake County Commissioners have heard Gary and Hobart’s bids to become home to the county’s new convention center. Thursday night at St. Timothy Community Church, it was Gary residents turn to hear from Mayor Eddie Melton and Hard Rock Casino’s Matt Schuffert on why the convention center should be in Gary.

A decision from the 3 county commissioners – Kyle Allen, Jerry Tippy, and Mike Repay – is expected by May 31.

“A new convention center in Gary will be more than an event space – it will be an economic engine to continue the revitalization of our city and benefit all of Lake County,” said Gary Mayor Eddie Melton. “We have an opportunity to capitalize on Hard Rock’s success – a vibrant entertainment destination that has drawn more than 8 million visitors in under four years – to further boost tourism, create jobs, generate opportunities for local vendors and drive long-term economic growth.”

“Hard Rock is proud to be part of this community, and we’re excited to build on that commitment to drive even greater economic impact in this region,” said Matt Schuffert, President of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. “With our proven success in hospitality, entertainment and convention management, no one else has the global reach, expertise and brand power to bring world-class events to Lake County like we can. This convention center will not only drive tourism and economic growth but also create lasting opportunities for local businesses and the community.”

The City of Hobart has partnered with Garfield Public/Private LLC in their proposal to locate the convention center at Patriot Park, 7800 Mississippi Street, near I-65 and Route 30. Garfield Public, based in Dallas, is a leader in hotel development and financing.

Whichever site is selected, it will receive $5 million a year from the state during construction of the convention center.

Both groups propose to construct hotels on their convention center sites. Schuffert said Hard Rock will build a hotel even if his site is not selected.

‘What about the Genesis Center’ was a question from the audience.

“We’ve cleaned up the Genesis Center. We’re not selling it,” Mayor Melton said. “The city is looking for a partner with the ability and resources to take it over. If that doesn’t happen, we will have to come back to the community for another conversation. Right now, Powers & Sons has given us an assessment that it will take $10 million dollars just to turn the lights on.”

In the 2023 feasibility study for the county convention center commissioned by the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, Hobart’s proposal was ranked slightly higher than Gary’s.

“This site scores the highest not due to its current conditions, but due to the potential of the real estate district currently being contemplated. If that district were to be developed, this would be an ideal location for a convention center, but that is not certain at this time,” the study says.

In regards to the Hard Rock site, the study said, “The proximity to the Hard Rock Casino presented by this site would help the proposed convention center capitalize on one of Lake County’s greatest tourist attractions, as well as position it next to numerous dining, retail, and entertainment options. However, while casinos are highly synergistic with certain events (e.g., car shows), they are a deterrent for others (e.g., family-oriented consumer shows).”

Both proposals can be viewed on the Lake County Commissioners website, https://lakecountyin.gov/departments/commissioners/lccc/

Story Posted:03/08/2025