City of Gary Releases Request for Interest (RFI) for Redevelopment of Genesis Convention Center

Gary, IND. — The City of Gary is excited to announce the release of a Request for Interest (RFI) for the redevelopment and revitalization of the Genesis Convention Center, a landmark located in the heart of downtown Gary.

This RFI invites developers, design firms, and community-driven organizations to share concepts that transforms the Genesis Center as a dynamic, multi-use facility that honors its historic legacy while supporting the city’s future economic growth, tourism, and community engagement.

Built in 1981, the Genesis Convention Center has long served as a cultural and civic hub for the city. With this new opportunity, the City of Gary seeks to breathe new life into the facility through thoughtful and innovative proposals that support long-term sustainability, job creation, and enhanced public use.

“We are committed to creating a vibrant and thriving downtown Gary,” said Mayor Eddie Melton. “Reactivating the Genesis Center is a cornerstone of that vision. This RFI is an open call to partners who see the potential in Gary and want to be part of its transformation.”

The RFI seeks ideas to reactivate the Genesis Center and also welcomes concepts for how the site could be redeveloped entirely should the facility be demolished. With the Lake County Convention Center now officially confirmed for Gary—right next to the Hard Rock Casino on Burr Street—the city is in a stronger position to meaningfully plan the future of this site. Planning efforts will align with the broader vision laid out in the Downtown Gary Master Plan, developed in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture.

Key goals of the project include:

• Preserving the historical significance of the Genesis Center

• Introducing flexible and functional design elements

• Supporting arts, entertainment, commerce, and civic events

• Stimulating local economic development and workforce opportunities

Interested parties are encouraged to review the full RFI document and submit their proposals by August 8, 2025, at 12:00pm.  

To view the full RFI, visit: City of Gary Genesis Center RFI (PDF)

Submissions must be delivered via email to Corrie Sharp @ csharp@gary.gov. Proposals must be submitted by August 8, 2025, at 12:00 PM. Evaluation criteria are detailed in the document.

‍Media Contact:

Erika Blackwell, Chief Communications Officer, City of Gary
eblackwell@gary.gov  | (219) 806-6489

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