In 2011, a new 501 (c) (3) organization in the Miller neighborhood of Gary, Indiana, was formed to use the arts to reinvigorate the Lake Street corridor. With initial funding and strong leadership from concerned volunteers, the Miller Beach Arts & Creative District (MBACD) was born.

The initiative quickly gained momentum, rallying local artists, residents, and community leaders who shared a vision of transforming the neighborhood into a vibrant cultural hub. Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, the project began to breathe new life into the Lake Street corridor, steadily integrating artistic spaces and activities that encouraged both creativity and community engagement.

The TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) project, which includes a new train station, sidewalks, bike paths, much of which has come to fruition, was initially facilitated by MBACD Board volunteers who presented architectural elevations to the Strong Cities, Strong Communities consultants working through Gary’s City Hall. That development has supported the growth of new businesses and restaurants along the Lake Street corridor.

 

The MBACD operates a 6,000-square-foot facility, the Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts, which serves as a space for presenting a wide variety of visual and performing arts, as well as hosting an active schedule of community events.

Jeff Gardner gifted this beautiful building to the MBACD and, in honor of its history, the Center was named after his father, Marshall J. Gardner, who owned and operated Miller Drugs from 1959 to 1974. Thanks to grants from the Knight Foundation, the Legacy Foundation, the Miller Community Fund, private loans, and a group of exceedingly committed volunteers, including Lee Companies and architect Roz Mitchell, this damaged, empty storefront was transformed into the gallery we call home today. 

In Spring 2025, MBACD purchased its second building, the 541 Annex. The 1929 Illinois Bell Telephone Building, located at 541 S. Lake Street, was formerly owned by the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. Along with sharing this building with the Nelson Algren Museum of Miller Beach, the MBACD will create a dedicated artist and classroom workspace, as well as a conference room, to further its mission of making art opportunities for the community.

 
Since its founding, the organization has presented the community with numerous diverse and exceptional events, including the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Live on Lake Street music series, Dance On! Lake Street, artist workshops and classes, community meetings, Miller Community Theatre performances, the seasonal Miller Beach Farmers Market, the street art graffiti festival, Lake Effekt, and Gary’s 1st District festival, Fest in The First, as well as more than eight art exhibitions annually.