Goodwill Industries of Michiana is opening a new store in Hammond this fall.

The stand-alone store will fill part of an underused former Walmart building at 1828 E. 165th St.

“This is the kind of project we love being part of: turning an underused space into something that serves the community for years to come,” said Lori Tubbs, managing member of Lori Tubbs Development Consulting, who helped Goodwill purchase the space.

Vavrek Architects will convert the space and is ready to start construction.

“The design is intended to give Goodwill an upscale, standalone identity while incorporating landscape elements to soften the building’s appearance and create a more inviting presence,” according to Vavrek's Facebook post.

Goodwill Industries of Michiana has 21 locations in Indiana, including an Excel Center at 3438 169th St. in Hammond and 4830 W. Ridge Road in Gary. Excel Centers help adults earn an Indiana high school diploma. The Academy trains workers seeking manufacturing jobs. Goodwill Michiana offers workforce and veteran services, and the Nurse-Family Partnership and Inspired Reads. Every year it also hosts the Little Black Dress fundraising event.