Hammond Railroad Park

We were retained by the Hammond Downtown Development District to transform a long-underutilized parcel of land along the railroad into a vibrant urban park and public space. Previously used primarily for the weekly Hammond Farmers Market, the site had seen little to no development. Our scope included preparing a comprehensive master plan for the area, followed by full construction documents for the new Railroad Park.

A defining feature of the site was the presence of several large, mature live oaks highly valued by the community. Protecting these trees was a top priority for both the residents and the design team. To ensure their health and longevity, a licensed arborist was engaged early in the process. The arborist performed pre-construction work on the trees, developed a detailed tree protection plan, reviewed design drawings, and provided ongoing recommendations to the landscape architects throughout the project.

The design program called for well-organized, flexible spaces capable of accommodating and expanding the Farmers Market, along with a performance stage and fully barrier-free (ADA-compliant) design. Additional requirements included creating a safe separation between the new park and the adjacent railroad tracks, along with ample pedestrian seating, landscaping, and lighting.

The final design features a colonnade running along the railroad with brick columns that echo the architectural detailing of the historic railroad depot located nearby. Metal panels between the columns provide the necessary physical barrier while maintaining an open, inviting aesthetic. The brick columns also serve as future display surfaces for Railroad history exhibits, which have since been installed. A performance stage with integrated ramp access was incorporated to ensure full accessibility.

Material selections blend modern and contextual elements, including elongated pavers, brick seat walls, a decorative fountain, and cohesive Railroad Park graphics and signage. New street trees and understory landscaping were planted around the preserved live oaks. A prominent supergraphics art piece spelling “HAMMOND” was placed in front of a large mural wall depicting a historic scene from Hammond’s past. The project also includes extensive pedestrian-scale lighting, uplighting for the existing trees, and a complete irrigation system.

The result is a functional, beautiful, and enduring public space that honors the site’s history while providing a versatile venue for community gatherings, markets, and events.