The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority's board of directors accepted a bid from McDonagh Demolition for demolition projects in the Gary Metro Transit Development District.
The $2.87 million bid will include the demolition of the former Gordon’s Department store and annex, and the Genesis Convention Center and parking garage.
“RDA would like to thank all of the contractors who submitted bids for this project,” said RDA President and CEO Sherri Ziller in a press release. “It was a very competitive process, and we appreciate the time and effort all parties put into their submissions.”
Ziller also said the contract and start of demolition should start in a few weeks.
According to a Capital B Gary story, an assessment found that it would cost $10 million to make the long-closed Genesis Center functional. Capital B also reported that the city has received six proposals for redevelopment of the site.
The demolition project is a result of legislation passed when Gary Mayor Eddie Melton was a state senator from November 2016 to December 2023. The $12 million Gary Blight Elimination Program kicked off in August 2025 when Lovell’s barbershop on Broadway was demolished.
The RDA committed $6 million in matching funds for the project.
“This is another step forward in our commitment to transforming Gary’s landscape and creating new opportunities for growth,” Melton said. “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.”
The RDA's board also approved $894,740 to extend the EGIS contract. The company has provided architecture and engineering, among other services, for the program.
In other business, the board announced Development Catalyst Grants awards for three projects, the first of the program.
- $75,000 to the towns of Pines and Beverly Shores
- $60,000 to the Town of Chesterton
- $75,000 to the City of Lake Station
“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,” Ziller said. “These grants will equip 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.”
The grants specifically help municipalities in Lake and Porter counties. Grants range from $15,000 to $75,000 each. A local match is required. Learn more about the program here.
