Gary doesn’t offer a typical architecture tour, which is what makes it interesting. With most of its buildings in varying states of deterioration, there’s always something new to see. But don’t get too attached to any particular structure–it may be gone by the time you go back.
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Continuing south on Broadway, check out the Gary state bank building (now Bank One), the monolith at the southwest corner of Fifth and Broadway, then the Genesis Towers (the former Hotel Gary) one block south. Just past those, go right on Sixth. At the end of the block step inside the First United Methodist Church, which raises the question, Who is stealing the great fireplaces of Gary? Professional salvaging equipment was recently discovered in the circa-1920s structure, a gorgeous, eroding pile of ornately carved limestone that was once the biggest house of worship in town. City development officials say they’re checking into who’s making off with the mantels; only one remains, but this is still a majestic site to wander, though strewn in places with out-of-date clothing and other remnants of rummage sales past. The gymnasium in the attached school has a huge hole in the roof, suffered during the October 1997 arson that took out most of the downtown Gary landmark district and is still being investigated.
But it was also at the mercy of urban renewal. Gary was among the worst-razed places in the country despite–or perhaps because of–a huge infusion of HUD funds. By the late 70s the Ambassador was all but abandoned.
