[font=Verdana]The transformation of the former River Park Apartments into a retail and hospitality center moved forward this week, even as bids were accepted for demolition of the complex.

The Hammond Indiana Plan Commission gave a favorable recommendation on Monday that zoning of the 22-acre property just south of the Borman Expressway be changed from residential to commercial.[/font]

[font=Verdana]The change was approved in February by the Hammond Redevelopment Commission, which took possession of the property late last year. The change is part of a $20 million plan to open up the site for economic development.

The zoning change must next be approved by the City Council, which will consider the matter at its next meeting on Monday.

"A lot of what happens at [/font][font=Verdana]River[/font][font=Verdana] [/font][font=Verdana]Park[/font][font=Verdana] depends on what happens at the (former) Woodmar Country Club," said Peter Novak Jr., executive director of planning and development.

Novak said the country club property's owner, outdoor supplies retailer Cabela's, is close to a development agreement for the site with state economic development officials.

With a combined 150 acres available across the city's far south side, coordinated planning for all the parcels is in the best interest of Hammond, Novak said.[/font]