The city of Gary is looking to the community for help in bringing life back to downtown through a new project initiative.
The city has issued a request for interest for the future of the Genesis Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown.
“We are committed to creating a vibrant and thriving downtown Gary,” Mayor Eddie Melton said in a press release.
The city is calling on developers, design firms and community-driven organizations to bring forward ideas to transform the Genesis Center into a multiuse facility that supports the city’s economic growth and honors its historic legacy. The city is also open to proposals for the redevelopment of the site if the building is to be demolished.
Gary officials said they welcome expressions of interest for the convention center and adjacent property and are encouraging creative concepts. Submissions may include ideas for adaptive reuse of the existing structure or new mixed-use development. Based on the responses, the city plans to issue a formal request for proposals later this year.
Built in 1981, the Genesis Center has hosted a wide range of events, from Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls playing exhibition games to Prince and the Revolution and the Indiana Black Expo. It was also once home to the Gary Steelheads, the city’s former semi-professional basketball team.
The convention center closed in 2020. One of the last events held at the convention center was the funeral and homegoing service of Gary’s historic mayor, Richard Hatcher. During his terms, he helped develop and utilize the convention center.
In 2021, the Genesis Center was sold to a tech firm for $2.5 million, with hopes of bringing its corporate headquarters to the city and creating local jobs. That deal ultimately collapsed, and the city had to sue for nonpayment before reclaiming the property in 2022.
“Reactivating the Genesis Center is a cornerstone of that vision,” Melton said. “This RFI is an open call to partners who see the potential in Gary and want to be part of its transformation.”
When asked why the city is seeking outside input now, Corrie Sharp with Gary’s Zoning Department said the goal is to hear directly from private developers about what kinds of projects could realistically take shape on the site.
“We are turning to the private development sector to seek their thoughts on what is feasible,” she said in an email.
“Any and all ideas will be received,” she added. “Looking for concepts focused on adaptive reuse or redevelopment.”
With Gary set to host the new Lake County Convention Center near the Hard Rock Casino, the Genesis Convention Center would no longer be the city’s sole convention center if it is, indeed, reopened.
Interested parties are invited to review the complete request for interest document before submitting their proposal by noon on Aug. 8. Submissions should be sent to Corrie Sharp at csharp@gary.gov.