DYER | The Redevelopment Commission is considering hiring a consultant to help market the Calumet Avenue corridor now that a corridor plan is in place.

While the plan and its zoning package will dictate the corridor's look, the town has no direct say in the types of businesses that eventually locate there.

The plan itself, drawn up by Crown Point architect Tarik El-Naggar, calls for a combination of "big box" retail, office park, commercial and possibly high-end residential properties.

The commission wants to be proactive in enticing selected businesses and retailers to the corridor so that Dyer will not end up with more of the same, town officials said.

However, the land along Calumet Avenue remains in private hands, and the town cannot act as developer.

A consultant could give the board advice on how to market the corridor, redevelopment officials say. A consultant also could give realistic advice as to the stores and businesses that might want to locate in a town with Dyer's demographics.

A so-called lifestyle center, a popular development choice in lieu of the conventional mall, would be a welcome addition to the Dyer corridor, town officials believe.

Lifestyle centers have four key components: landscaping, entertainment, high-end retail and restaurants.