Combs Addition Historic District

Combs Addition Historic District is a residential neighborhood with 99 buildings spread across 21 acres in Gary, Indiana, situated between 4th and 6th Avenues. The core area includes blocks along Rutledge, Ellsworth, and Marshall Streets that form this connected residential settlement.

The neighborhood was built between 1928 and 1959 as a residential area for workers employed in Gary's steel mills. Its growth was directly linked to industrialization and the steel industry boom in the region.

The neighborhood displays a mix of early 20th century residential styles, including Colonial and Tudor Revival elements in its cottages. These homes reflect the preferences of working families who moved here during the industrial growth period.

The neighborhood is best explored on foot, following the connected residential blocks at a leisurely pace. Walking during daylight hours lets you properly see the house details and overall layout of the area.

The houses were specifically designed as small, affordable cottages intended to provide stable homes for workers. This design shows an interesting approach to how mass residential construction worked during this era.

Location: Indiana

GPS coordinates: 41.60278,-87.36944

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:44