The Tolleston Opportunity Campus is more than a dream now that ground was broken April 23 on the $30 million project.
“Today we break ground on a new chapter in Gary's story — one where our community stands at the center of everything we do,” said Mayor Eddie Melton during the ceremony. “For generations, Gary's greatest strength has always been the spirit and determination of its people. When we invest in our residents and create spaces for connection, we build the strongest possible foundation for our city's future.”
Seeds for the project's inception were planted when $10 million was allocated during the first round of READI projects announced in 2023. Since then, the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation committed $15 million, including an extra $5 million announced at the ceremony. In 2022, the city of Gary voted to contribute $10 million. And other various community partners also chipped in since then.
“The Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation is committed to investments that create lasting, positive change in Northwest Indiana,” said William Hanna, executive director of the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation. “The Tolleston Opportunity Campus represents exactly the kind of high-impact partnership we seek to support — bringing together exceptional organizations to address community needs in an integrated, sustainable way.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana, Methodist Hospitals and the Crossroads YMCA will partner to provide child care, fitness classes, community programs, health care and workforce training in the neighborhood.
The campus will be built at the Gary branch of the Boys & Girls Club in the former Tolleston Middle School. It includes 50,000 square feet of new space and upgrades to the club. Three buildings were taken down to make room for the community resource center.
The project brought together key players in the Region, and soon it will bring thousands of people to its doors, which are expected to open in 2026.
“We have brought together key community partners for an amazing transformational project here at the Tolleston Opportunity Campus,” said Jay Buckmaster, president and CEO of Crossroads YMCA. “We are thankful to collaborate with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana and Methodist Hospitals to create a safe place for all to learn, grow and thrive.”
The center will include a gymnasium, classrooms, outdoor spaces to play and gathering places.
“This dedicated space for children and families to learn and grow will further bring our community together and create more opportunities for the next generation to succeed in our Region,” said U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan.
The new YMCA's foundation is expected to be poured in May, with steel arriving in July.
Berglund Construction's Josh Schoon will talk about the project at the Gary Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly membership luncheon at noon May 12 at the Chateau Banquets in Merillville. His team is the lead contractor for the campus.
Find construction updates and conceptual renderings of the Tolleston Opportunity Campus here.
