Gary: The Magic City
(photos by Lee Bey)
I hopped the state line over the weekend to take a look at Gary, Indiana, that famously-depressed steel town that has long been a symbol of urban decay and disinvestment.
That Gary--and for that matter Detroit and a few other cities--has floundered and sunk over the past 40 years is no less than an American tragedy. But driving through the deserted downtown is eerie. But when a city has sunk this low, there is nowhere to go but up.
(Above): Vacant shell of the Gary Memorial Auditorium
(Above) A pair of vacant buildings on Broadway. Murals are painted on these structures and many others to give the illusion of life on the barren street.
(Above:) New housing in Gary. Suburban in feel, but still a good start.
(Above) Elegant and vacant Gothic Revival Church near 6th and Broadway.
I'll be visiting Gary again from time to time and maybe some reporting from there as well. The city is worth watching.
Comments
What was the former use and location of the top building? An old department store? Also, the church is not only vacant, but roofless as well. Visiting downtown Gary is one of the strangest/mysterious experiences in the world. Much worse off than Detroit.
Posted by: Brendan | October 17, 2007 02:14 PM
Lee,
Hey, let me know the next time you you make a trip through Gary. I've made several solo (and very lonely) trips when I was playing with the symphony out there (Northwst Indiana) and had extra time to kill. Felt lost and like a fish out of water, but completely engrossed and fascinaged by the eerie abandoned architecture.
There is an irony, that because of the utter desolation and neglect, many things have survived, such as it is, that would never have survived in Chicago.
As usual, geat pictures!
Posted by: Marty Hackl | October 17, 2007 04:34 PM
Lee as you can imagine if you look at my blog, Gary is on my "to do" list.
I'll be checking in on this thread. thanks!
Jan
Posted by: jannx | October 24, 2007 10:03 PM
I was born, bred and educated in Gary, Indiana. I did not have to cross the state line to experience the area, and am more than familiar with the sites depicted in your photos. I really do like your shot of Memorial Auditorium. My high school graduation ceremony took place there, years ago. Sad to see it destroyed.
For an insider perspective on the "Steel City," and to take a virtual tour of the Calumet Region, check out Dave's Den.
The url for Dave's Den is http://GDYNets.WebNG.com
Posted by: Dave Yaros![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://leebey.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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April 12, 2008 02:20 PM