Recently, the city of East Chicago unveiled two of the forty-five new homes that will be built in the Carey/Drummond neighborhood. These two new models, constructed on Carey between 138th and 139th streets, are an introduction to the overall redevelopment efforts targeted for this neighborhood – an investment upwards of $5 million.

The Carey/Drummond neighborhood is located in the West Harbor area of East Chicago, and because of its diversity and proximity to major transportation routes, this neighborhood is considered ideal for investment. The focus of the Carey/Drummond Single –Family Housing Project is along Carey and Drummond streets between Michigan Ave. and Columbus Dr.

These new homes will be available for purchase by families of all income levels, although the primary market is expected to be first-time buyers with household incomes between $28,000 and $45,000, or 60-80% of the Area Medium Income. The three floor plans each equipped with energy efficient kitchen appliances and high efficiency gas furnace with central air conditioning are offered at a base price range between $95,000 to $120,000.

To increase the affordability of homes, the city of East Chicago is offering property tax abatement. In addition, the East Chicago Urban Enterprise Association (ECUEA) and the Community Redevelopment Program (CRP) is offering a grant program, which can provide up to $10,000 assistance to qualified home buyers regardless of income level. Combined with attractive mortgage loan products, available assistance programs provide the opportunity for low and moderate-income families to achieve the American dream of homeownership.

This project is an important piece of the larger redevelopment puzzle for the city of East Chicago, which includes Washington Square and the North Harbor Housing Development.

Washington Square
Washington Square, located at the former seven-acre Washington High School site, offers market rate housing. Currently, there are twenty-one homes and six town homes that have been constructed. The potential for twenty additional single family homes and six new town homes will only increase the overall value of this neighborhood.
Developed by East Chicago Second Century, Inc., in cooperation with the city of East Chicago, buyers can choose from a mix of two-three-and four bedroom homes. Homes are selling between $112,000 to $158.000. All home buyers are offered a variety of options, including fireplaces, upgraded flooring and cabinets, nine-foot ceilings and covered entryways. Washington Square has attractive financing programs, which makes buying affordable. The ECUEA offers a $10,000 down payment assistance program and Harrah’s East Chicago has established a $5,000 down payment assistance program for all of its qualified employees.

North Harbor Housing Development
Sponsored by the East Chicago Community Development Foundation and East Chicago Second Century, the North Harbor Housing Development is part of a larger neighborhood revitalization effort. Beginning this year, the North Harbor Housing Development construction project will consist of 61 rental units on land owned by the city in the North Harbor area. The development will be located in the 3400, 3500 and 3600 blocks of Fir Street through 3400 block of Michigan Ave. and the 3400 block of Guthrie Street. All units are located within the East Chicago Urban Enterprise Zone. The units will be designed to attract a mix of income with multiple configurations consisting of one-two-three and four bedroom units. All units will be energy efficient with modern appliances, including washers and dryers. This $7 million project is expected be complete in 2003.
In addition to these public/private partnerships, private construction projects have been sprouting up throughout East Chicago. GRC, Inc. has constructed single family homes on Kosciusko Blvd., Homerlee and Walsh streets. A total of 10 homes have been constructed.