Crown Point Considering Riverfront District
- By: City of Crown Point
- Last Updated: October 7, 2025
The City of Crown Point is considering adopting a riverfront district that would provide the City with additional liquor licenses.
Similar to the City’s historic liquor license program, local businesses would be able to apply for a riverfront license if they are located in the district, which is bounded by 101st Avenue to the north; Mississippi Street to the east; 113th Avenue to the south; and Madison Street to the west.
While Crown Point does not have a river, Indiana Code defines a riverfront to include a water conveyance ditch. The Beaver Dam Ditch runs through the proposed district.
Other Lake County communities that have a riverfront district include Schererville and St. John.
Through adopting the district, Mayor Pete Land said the City hopes to enhance Crown Point’s local and regional appeal and bolster tourism within the proposed Riverfront District, while removing barriers for small business owners.
“We have seen great success with this program in our historic downtown. The square is thriving and filled with vibrant small businesses that offer something for everyone,” Land said. “We hope the district will inspire more small businesses to call Crown Point home.”
The City will have 15 riverfront liquor licenses on hand that can be used as one-, two- or three way licenses. Those interested would have to submit an application that shows how the establishment will draw people to Crown Point with a dining and entertainment experience — not an alcohol consumption experience.
Applicants must also include a business plan, provide workforce data and detail any improvements they plan to make to the desired facility. The application will then be subject to approval by the Crown Point Redevelopment Commission, which will forward its findings to the Office of the Mayor. The Mayor’s Office will make a recommendation to the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.
Each license will cost $25,000 and will not be transferrable. The funds will be deposited into the City’s redevelopment fund, which will support the establishment and maintenance of the riverfront district, as well as general uses of the Crown Point Redevelopment Commission.