Gary Preservation Tour 2018 needs your support

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Gary Union Station [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

Gary Union Station [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

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.

Gary Union Station [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

Gary Union Station [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

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.

Gary Union Station [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

Gary Union Station [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

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.

Gary Union Station [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

Gary Union Station [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

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.

Gary State Bank Building [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

Gary State Bank Building [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

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, originally Hotel Gary [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

Genesis Towers, originally Hotel Gary [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

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

Lake County Courthouse [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

Lake County Courthouse [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

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

Gary City Hall [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

Gary City Hall [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

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.

Gary City Hall [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

Gary City Hall [Eric Allix Rogers/Chicago Patterns]

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


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