The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority today accepted a bids from McDonagh Demolition for the demolition of the Genesis Center and parking garage.
According to Wikipedia, “The Genesis Convention Center was a multi-purpose arena and convention center in downtown Gary, Indiana, United States which has been closed since 2020. Opened in 1981, it features a 24,472 sq ft arena floor with a 49 ft ceiling and the attached “Indiana Hall,” a combined theater/ballroom seating about 1,200. It is designed to host up to 7,000 people.”
“Built by the city and designed by Wendell Campbell, the center opened in 1981. It served as a civic, entertainment, and sports hub for Gary and Northwest Indiana. Part of its purpose was to revitalize Gary’s economy, which had taken a hit following the decline of the steel industry,” Wikipedia continues.
These removals are being executed as part of the Blight Elimination Program established by Gary Mayor Eddie D. Melton during his time in the Indiana Senate. “This is another step forward in our commitment to transforming Gary’s landscape and creating new opportunities for growth,” said Mayor Melton. “By eliminating long-standing blight and preparing these sites for future investment, we are building a stronger, more vibrant city for our residents and positioning Gary for long-term economic success.”
In conjunction with the award, the Board also approved an $894,740 contract extension for EGIS, the global architectural, consulting, construction engineering, operations and mobility services firm that RDA engaged in 2025 as project manager for the Blight Elimination Program.
“It was necessary and contemplated to amend the contract of EGIS for demolition oversight and contract admiration to ensure all local, state, and federal requirements are in compliance,” explained AJ Bytnar, RDA Director of Economic Development. “Specifically, proper disposal of demolition of materials, environmental and safety regulations, and transportation routing.”
“While these grants are relatively small in and of themselves, we believe they will provide multiples of return on investment by supporting millions of dollars of new development, investment and jobs,” said RDA President and CEO Sherri Ziller. “These grants will equip Gary, the Pines, Beverly Shores, Chesterton and Lake Station to be responsive to both their residents and the development community, setting up all parties for sustained success”
Complete details about the Development Catalyst Grant program can be found at https://www.in.gov/rda/guidelines.
[photo caption] Contractors examine the Genesis Center during a mandatory walkthrough on May 5, 2026.
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Toriano Adaryll Jackson The First, was born October 15, 1953 in Gary Indiana to Katherine and Joseph Jackson. He was the 3rd child born to this union.
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Now Joe Jackson had a band called “The Falcons” and Mom Katherine enjoyed country and western music she would often sing to. Music was in Tito’s DNA.
Tito’s brother Sigmund Esco aka Jackie had a friend who was a musician named Reynaud Jones. The Jackson Brothers would often go over to Reynaud’s home to be in a musical environment. They all soaked up the musical energy.
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Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
