Gary leaders recently celebrated the first all new single-family home construction in the city's historic Aetna neighborhood in decades.

City officials and development partners gathered during a press conference at 5544 E. 10th Ave. The event highlighted the progress on a two-story home currently under construction by F&L Group and Square Foot Development. It is the first home in the beginning of a 15-home development project representing progress in the city's Aetna neighborhood stabilization efforts. 

“This is a historic day for Gary and the Aetna community,” Mayor Eddie Melton said during a press conference. “What we're witnessing here brings our community hope and shows proof that Gary's revitalization is moving forward with real results.” 

The development, spearheaded by local real estate professionals Frederick Long, Laneé Nicole and developer/builder David Sutor, emerged from a Request for Proposals process initiated by the Gary Redevelopment Commission in 2024. The team's proposal was selected during the commission's June 5, 2024, public meeting. 

“These properties were strategically selected to maximize visibility and community impact, particularly along the 10th Avenue corridor served by Gary Public Transportation Corporation's L1 Route and located near the NICTD Miller Station,” Christopher Harris, City of Gary executive director of redevelopment, said.

The 15 planned homes will include ranch-style and two-story options, featuring modern amenities and new construction from the ground up. All properties will be built on slab foundations without basements. The remaining 14 homes are planned for completion on a rolling basis over the next few years. 

“This project is about building opportunity,” Laneé Nicole, F&L Group team lead, said. “As real estate professionals with a deep connection to Gary, we saw the urgent need for new homes that deliver quality housing at an affordable price. This project answers that need.”