The Gary Redevelopment Commission is seeking bids to “lease all or portions” of the RailCats’ U.S. Steel Yard Stadium Diamond Center.
The city issued the request for bids on Monday, and they’ll accept them through 4 p.m. June 10, when they will be read aloud at a redevelopment commission meeting.
According to the request, the commission will accept minimum bids of at least $4.69 per square foot for a minimum five-year term. The redevelopment commission is prioritizing sports-themed restaurants or indoor simulation and gaming, including golf simulators or duck-pin bowling.
“The GRC is committed to the building’s longevity and functionality,” the city’s request says. “The GRC will complete a full roof repair (and) replacement prior to tenant occupancy. The GRC also commits to liquor license access and access to the baseball stadium side plaza.”
According to the request, the stadium averaged more than 3,000 attendees per game for the last four seasons.
Gary is using planned investments to attract potential bidders, including investments to the commuter rail service, metro station development and blight elimination citywide.
Prioritizing the development of Gary’s transit development district “takes advantage of nearby public investments in infrastructure and amenities.” Redevelopment projects aim to make the area a “vibrant mixed-use core.”
“Together, these investments have the power to attract new and returning residents and businesses and restore the city’s tax base,” the bid request says. “These areas are identified as shovel-ready sites for development opportunities due to their vacancy, public property control, existing utilities, and proximity to the transit station.”
RailCats General Manager Anthony Giammanco was unable to immediately comment on the lease.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton announced that the city was looking for bids during his State of the City address Tuesday.
The city owns the stadium, Melton said, and the two entities are renegotiating their memorandum agreement to “ensure it’s a fair partnership.” They’re also updating the stadium’s jumbo screen and making other updates, including new parking lot pavement and lights.
“We’re making enhancements right now, and if you drive by, you’re going to see them,” Melton said. “And we want answers from franchise restaurants and things of that nature, and folks that want to participate in that facility.”
