Demolition of Gary’s Historic Schools Moves Forward Amid Controversy
The demolition of the abandoned Gary Emerson and Horace Mann high schools has officially commenced, as the Gary Housing Authority (GHA) and the city of Gary finalize state and federal approvals. These structures, once pillars of the community, now stand as reminders of both their storied past and the decline of the city. The GHA also plans to demolish two adjacent elementary schools, Spaulding and Vohr, although a timeline for these demolitions has not yet been established.
The GHA has received conditional and preliminary approval for the demolitions from the Indiana State Historical Preservation Office, according to GHA Executive Director Taryl Bonds. Final approval for Emerson, which holds historical significance as Gary’s first high school, is still pending from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. This process is mandated by legislation dating back to 1966, given Emerson’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
In recent years, the GHA has undertaken similar demolition efforts, including the removal of the Delaney, Dorie Miller, and Colonial Gardens public housing centers. This trend reflects a significant reduction in the housing stock within the city. As for what will replace the demolished schools, officials have not yet disclosed any plans.
The condition of these high schools has deteriorated over time. Emerson, built in 1908, has become a target for vandalism and decay, leading to a hollowed-out shell devoid of windows. Its historical relevance is multifaceted; in 1927, it became notable for integrating Black students during a time of rampant segregation, a move that was met with both hostility and national attention. The school also gained acclaim for its innovative educational programs under Superintendent William A. Wirt, which attracted educators from across the country.
Horace Mann High School, located at 524 Garfield, opened in 1928 and mirrored the progressive educational vision of Emerson. The school was known for its college-like campus and was attended by many children of steel mill executives. Notably, in 1940, Tom Harmon, a graduate of Mann, became the only Gary alumnus to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
As the city grapples with a significant decline in school enrollment, these historic institutions have suffered from neglect. Tragic incidents, such as the discovery of a deceased 15-year-old girl in an Emerson classroom in 2015, underscore the dangers posed by these abandoned buildings. Horace Mann has also faced challenges, including multiple arson fires that have ravaged its infrastructure.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has designated the city of Gary as the “Responsible Entity” for this demolition project, which includes overseeing the federal review process for Emerson. Discussions about potential mitigation measures have occurred, but GHA officials have opted not to hold public hearings regarding the demolitions, opting instead for virtual meetings to inform stakeholders.
As the community reflects on the legacy of these schools, the future remains uncertain. Alumni and local organizations express a desire for restoration and repurposing of such historic sites to meet community needs. As the demolition process unfolds, the impact on the community and the potential for new developments will be closely watched by residents and stakeholders alike.
