On a cloudy Friday afternoon, the Genesis Convention Center in downtown Gary stood as a remnant of past ambitions. Demolition equipment slowly dismantled the structure, turning it into a heap of twisted steel, bronze, and glass. A team from McDonough Demolition monitored the process as backhoes chipped away at the building’s west side, creating clanking and thumping sounds as debris fell to the ground along Adams Street.
An excavator claw continues the demolition, tearing into the bleachers inside the Genesis Convention Center.
Across the street, visitors at the Gary Public Library went about their day, seemingly indifferent to the demolition of a building that had once promised downtown revitalization. Opening in 1981, the Genesis Center hosted numerous events, including concerts by Whitney Houston and Prince. However, it later became a financial burden for the city.
Financial controversies marred its history. In 2017 and 2018, two former directors embezzled funds, leading to federal charges. Deborah Black paid $16,000 in restitution, while Victoria Wilson agreed to repay $12,000. The building officially closed in 2020, and vandals began stripping its materials. Its last notable event was the 2019 funeral of five-term Mayor Richard G. Hatcher, whose administration built the center.
In 2025, the city installed a $9,000 camera security system at the site. Maintenance costs continued to rise, prompting Gary Mayor Eddie Melton to announce its demolition in April. The city cited operational deficits of $8 million over five years.
Powers and Sons Construction estimated that repairs would cost over $10 million. To combat urban decay, the city aims to demolish other structures like the Gordon’s Department Store complex, City Methodist Church, and St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital. “Holding onto unsalvageable buildings has cost our taxpayers millions and stalled our progress,” Melton stated.
A specific demolition date for the church hasn’t been set, but officials expect it to begin in late October or early November, with a goal to complete the entire project by August 24, 2027.
The city is looking to forge a new path towards economic revitalization. The University of Notre Dame School of Architecture is assisting with a citywide redevelopment plan. Future developments include a public safety facility, mixed-use housing and commercial areas, a new metro center, and a central civic plaza.
Plans at 5th Avenue and Broadway include 150 residential units with ground-floor retail, a mini-grocer, and dining options. Additionally, the site at 504 Broadway will house 90 more units. The upcoming plaza is designed as a communal space linking the Lake County Courthouse to the Hudson-Campbell Sports and Fitness Center, acknowledging the cultural legacy of the Genesis Center.
Jim Masters reports for the Post-Tribune.
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