Overview

The NWI Region has identified a need for a viable innovation and commercialization ecosystem that will recruit, train, and retain talent and attract investment in new ventures. The primary diver for this ecosystem will be the Hohman Innovation Hub: a regional impact lab (business incubator & accelerator) operated by Purdue Northwest in the heart of the new downtown, missed-use Transit Development District in Hammond. READI funds will be used to purchase and convert a 44,000 square foot former medical office building into a tech commercialization center, and purchase equipment and furnishings to run an accelerator program for new and existing businesses. The impact lab will be located next to a new mixed-use development with housing, hospitality, and retail. This, when combined with the infrastructure investment along Hohman Ave, will create a work-live-play corridor with easy access to the South Shore Line. The project will also benefit underrepresented and underinvested groups who have historically lacked the resources it will provide. The project is led by the City of Hammond in partnership with Purdue Northwest and a private developer who is renovating the former Bank Calumet building. Matching funds will be provided by the City of Hammond and NWI Development Group LLC. The PSA for the impact lab building was executed in April 2024 and buildout is expected to be completed by August 2024.