After a successful debut in 2017, the effort to crowdfund a 2018 Gary Preservation Tour has begun. Organizers intend to repeat open house-style access to a number of downtown Gary’s most notable buildings, while also expanding tours into two of the city’s distinctive residential neighborhoods, Horace Mann and Morningside.

In 2017, tour organizers crowdfunded the resources necessary to secure and beautify several buildings and run several guided tours, culminating in a single-day open house-style event in June attended by over 500 visitors.

Safe viewing areas were created in some of the city’s iconic vacant buildings to give visitors a sanctioned glimpse inside, and help spark discussions about their potential for reuse.

But even more exciting was the opportunity to step off the well-worn trail of ruin-chasers and visit the living buildings of downtown Gary.

The Gary State Bank Building, still in use as a bank and office building, features this elegant lobby space, as well as a historic basement vault.

Genesis Towers, now public housing but originally built as the opulent Hotel Gary, contains an ornate ballroom and other unexpected interior spaces.

The Lake County Courthouse, decked out with sumptuous marble and lavish ornament, is usually only open to those with business inside.

Gary’s City Hall, which from outside appears to be a twin to the Lake County Courthouse, is distinctively organized about a grand staircase. The mayor’s seat in council chambers was a popular spot for visitors to pose for photos.

If you missed the chance to visit these buildings during the 2017 Gary Preservation Tour, or if you’d like to revisit them – and branch out to the neighborhoods joining the tour this year – you can help make it happen! Organizers are seeking to raise a total of $17,000 during the month of March. Kick in a contribution and help spread the word. And if all goes well, watch for tour dates this summer!

Further Reading