Jefferson Street Historic District

The Jefferson Street Historic District is a residential neighborhood in Gary containing 81 houses built in Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, and Spanish Colonial Revival styles. The buildings are spread across approximately 55 acres and form a cohesive residential area from the early to mid-20th century.

The neighborhood developed between 1922 and 1945 as part of the American movement to provide affordable worker housing. The homes were built to offer factory workers and their families safe and inexpensive housing options.

The neighborhood reflects the housing preferences of working families employed in the steel industry who sought affordable homes near the factories. The architectural styles show how residents connected with European and Mediterranean traditions.

The area extends between Washington Street on the north, 37th Avenue on the east, 35th Avenue on the south, and Jefferson and Madison Avenues on the west. Visitors can explore the neighborhood on foot and observe the different house types and architectural details.

The homes in this district were intentionally built small to keep construction costs low and make homeownership possible for workers. This practical approach made the area an example of how design and affordability could work together.