The completion of the demolition of the former Lew Wallace High School in Gary launches new potential for the site, school officials say.

“This is an exciting time in the Gary schools,” said Paige McNulty, Manager of Gary Community School Corp. “While we continue to make improvements to our buildings that are open, we also recognize the importance of addressing the issue of abandoned structures with demolition or through selling these properties to other entities for development.”

GCSC will host an event celebrating the completed demolition of the high school building at 415 W. 45th Ave. beginning at 11 a.m. April 28. A time capsule found on the property will be opened during the program.

McNulty said Gary schools once had more than 20 properties for sale but that number has dropped to “just a handful.”

“We want to do our part to help beautify neighborhoods across the city where school buildings are concerned,” she said.  

After being closed for nearly 20 years, Lew Wallace High School became an abandoned eyesore and a magnet for criminal activity, school officials said. The GCSC administration acknowledged the concerns of the Glen Park neighborhood residents and worked to escalate demolition.

The demolition completion ceremony will include remarks from McNulty, Gary Mayor Jerome Prince, 6th District Councilman Dwight Williams, GCSC Facilities Director Barry O'Quinn and various Lew Wallace alumni.

Bricks from the structure will be available as mementos. Limit two per person.

The event also will be broadcast live via the school district's Facebook page.