Mrvan secures funding Ivanhoe demolition, expand Gary airport

Two Gary projects, including the demolition of an elementary school that’s been closed for 17 years, were included in U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan’s Transportation and Housing Community Project Funding requests approved Thursday by the U.S. House.

The measure moves next to the U.S. Senate for consideration and then to President Trump’s desk, if it’s passed.

Mrvan, D-Highland, sought $1.1 million for the city of Gary’s Redevelopment Commission to lead the demolition of Ivanhoe Elementary, 5700 W. 15th Ave., directly south of the West Side Leadership Academy.

Gary redevelopment director Christopher Harris said Friday that Ivanhoe has been an eyesore in the neighborhood for years and presents a dismal view to visitors at West Side.

“This helps remove blight,” he said.

The city also owns the adjacent Ivanhoe Gardens property, once home to a now-demolished public housing project.

Harris said there are no immediate plans for either property, but the city wants them to be shovel ready.

“This investment helps local leaders do what they are already committed to doing by clearing blight, stabilizing neighborhoods, and putting land and buildings back to use,” Mrvan said in a release. “When we rebuild housing and commercial corridors we strengthen communities.”

In 2024, the airport began a $87 million investment to attract cargo business. The airport has a long-term lease with UPS, which has been based at the airport since 2020.

The new funding will enable construction of a heavy air cargo logistics apron on the airport’s west side.

Officials said there will be room for six or seven planes at once on the apron with facilities behind them for unloading cargo as it’s routed on trucks. As business picks up, there will be room for expansion on the apron.

“The funding for the Gary/Chicago International Airport is an investment in jobs and economic growth for our region,” said Mrvan.

“The airport is a vital economic hub for Northwest Indiana.  By expanding cargo operations, attracting private investment, and supporting initiatives pursued by the city of Gary and the state of Indiana, this funding will help bring new businesses, create good-paying jobs, and open the door to new passenger services for residents.”

Also, Mrvan secured $625,000 for the Michigan City Westside Opportunity Hub to assist with the renovation of a multi-use community resource center.