Gary expects to start demolition of Genesis Convention Center on Friday

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 16, 2026

Gary, Indiana, will begin demolishing the deteriorated Genesis Convention Center and other unsafe buildings as part of a larger urban renewal initiative starting this Friday. The project aims to eliminate financial burdens and safety hazards while paving the way for mixed-use developments, community spaces, and infrastructure improvements slated for completion by 2027.

The city of Gary, Indiana, is set to begin demolition work on several deteriorated and longstanding structures as part of a broader urban revitalization effort. Exterior demolition of the Genesis Convention Center is scheduled to start this Friday, with the attached parking garage planned for removal early next month.

City officials described the Genesis Convention Center as a financial drain, citing operational losses of $8 million over the past five years, alongside estimated repair costs exceeding $10 million, according to assessments by Gary-based Powers and Sons Construction. The convention center, along with other aging properties, has become a significant maintenance and safety burden.

Demolition plans also include the former Gordon’s Department Store Complex, which city officials have identified as a public safety hazard due to severely compromised masonry, collapsed roofs, and ongoing water damage. Structural demolition for the Gordon’s site is slated for late October through November.

These initial demolitions are the first phase of a broader project targeting several of Gary’s iconic but blighted buildings. Subsequent phases will address the City Methodist Church and St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital, both of which have been deemed unsalvageable due to safety concerns. While demolition schedules for these latter sites are still being finalized, city officials anticipate activity to begin by late October or early November. The city hopes to finalize complete demolition and site restoration by August 2027.

Mayor Eddie Melton emphasized the need to balance respect for the city’s history with necessary progress. “We honor our history, and the generations of memories made here, but real revitalization requires courage and decisive action,” Melton stated in a recent release. He added that removing these structures is essential for protecting public safety and paving the way for new housing, businesses, and civic spaces.

Gary is collaborating with the University of Notre Dame’s School of Architecture to guide the citywide redevelopment. Planned projects include a new public safety facility, mixed-use residential and commercial developments, a new metro transit center, and a central civic plaza. Key development sites at 5th Avenue and Broadway will feature approximately 150 residential units with ground-floor retail, including a mini-grocer and dining options, complemented by an additional 90 units planned at 504 Broadway.

The planned civic plaza will serve as an open gathering space connecting the Lake County Courthouse with the Hudson-Campbell Sports and Fitness Center. This space intends to honor the cultural heritage of the former Genesis Convention Center site while fostering community engagement.

City officials stress that, while demolition involves the removal of historically significant buildings, these measures are critical steps in addressing blight and revitalizing Gary’s downtown landscape.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.