Hammond City staff says USco Industries purchase will bring $25 million investment and about 100 jobs

City staff told the Hammond City Commission that USco Industries, a crane manufacturer from Illinois, closed on property at 5009 Calumid Avenue in a transaction described as a $25 million investment and one that is expected to create roughly 100 local jobs.

"This is a $25 million investment in our city with around 100 new jobs for Ammon," staff said, reporting the closing and noting city staff is preparing for a groundbreaking in early June.

The commission also heard that developers of the former Lasell Hotel have submitted site-plan drawings and will pursue a conditional use variance to allow residential units above the ground floor in the downtown C3 business district. Staff said the developers have a letter of intent from an upscale tavern for the restaurant space and will coordinate with city planning on required approvals.

Staff further reported that the downtown farmers market returned for the first time since the early 2000s and drew about 500 people to the inaugural evening; the market is planned weekly on Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The commission was also notified of an upcoming Juneteenth celebration in MLK Park on June 19 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The briefing was provided by city staff as part of the commission's routine staff report; no formal vote was required on the items reported. Staff said it will update the commission on permitting and timing as the hotel and industrial projects progress.