The Moynihan family has had their sights set on the Hotel LaSalle in Hammond for awhile. Now the time is right to transform the century-old building into a development that fits the city's long-term plans for the downtown.

The historic property will be converted into 28 apartments of various sizes and the ground floor will feature commercial tenants, including a restaurant to draw visitors.

“This development supports the long-term vision of our downtown revitalization with density and new amenities,” said Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. in a press release. “Keeping the momentum going in our downtown is key to its ongoing vitality.”

Moynihan Capital plans to preserve the historic features of the building while introducing contemporary amenities. The team said it will only take 18 months to transform the property.

“The former LaSalle building in downtown Hammond is a very unique building, and I am pleased the city waited for right developers,” said Anne Taylor, the city's executive director of planning and development. “The Moynihan family has been circling this building for years and the time was finally right to make the connection. This is a real win for our downtown.”

The Moynihan's roots in Hammond date back to the 1930s in the Robertsdale neighborhood.

“It’s such a great place to do business for so many reasons,” said Dennis Moynihan, partner. “We’re looking forward to being part of revitalizing the downtown and providing new, quality rental housing and retail options with the renovation of former Hotel LaSalle.”

Learn more about Hammond's downtown master plan here.