In Gary, the city says in partnership with the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) and contractor McDonagh Demolition it is moving forward with the teardown of the Genesis Convention Center and former Gordon’s Department Store complex, an initiative that also establishes the timeline for a second phase of demolitions that includes the long-abandoned City Methodist Church and St. Mary’s Hospital. The City Church Historical Marker will be preserved and relocated, a news release said.
The city said these downtown projects complement Gary’s regional momentum, including the future Lake County Convention Center adjacent to Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary on the Interstate 80/94 corridor. There are downtown road and sidewalk restrictions in effect during the work.
“When you look across downtown Gary today, I don’t want our community to only see what is coming down, I want you to see what is coming next,” said Mayor Eddie Melton. “From the Genesis Center and Gordon’s to long-standing safety hazards like St. Mary’s Hospital and City Methodist, holding onto unsalvageable buildings has cost our taxpayers millions and stalled our progress. We honor our history, and the generations of memories made here, but real revitalization requires courage and decisive action. By removing these barriers, we are protecting downtown and public safety, and making room for new housing, local businesses, and modern civic spaces.”
Here is a link for a timeline and more details – https://www.gary.gov/news-updates/city-of-gary-accelerates-downtown-development-with-multi-site-demolition-plan .
