Historic Gary Building Deemed Fiber Ready

AT&T is hoping to roll out a global 5G ecosystem by the end of the year.

A nearly 90-year-old building in downtown Gary has been certified AT&T Fiber Ready. Officials say the designation for the recently-renovated Centier Building will help bring more economic development opportunities to the area.

The building, which was constructed in 1927, is the seventh facility in Indiana to receive the certification. AT&T says being fiber ready means the facility is committed to providing high-speed connectivity.

"This is exciting news," said Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. "The Centier Building is a beautiful older structure in our city’s hub, now offering the very newest in technologies. This additionally is an example of the capability that older structures possess. We are certain AT&T’s investment in high speed internet in our downtown will help to attract additional positive attention to the location."

Ron Brewer, president of the Gary City Council, says the certification will make the Centier Building more attractive for businesses, both startups and established companies, looking for a place to grow. 

Most recently, AT&T designated the Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana in Merrillville and Lebanon Business Park as fiber ready.