The Genesis Convention Center, once a landmark of ambition in downtown Gary, opened in 1981. Officials envisioned it as a catalyst to rejuvenate the local economy, drawing conventions, events, and live entertainment to Gary’s heart.
However, the reality soon diverged from expectations. The center became a financial burden for the city rather than a revenue source. In April, Mayor Eddie Melton announced its imminent demolition, accepting full responsibility for the decision. He stated, “I made this decision, let me be clear about that. I own it, no other entity, no other person. I made the decision, but that site we’re going to make ready for the future.” The Genesis Center is set to be demolished soon, with a 40-foot statue called The Fusion involved in its relocation plans.
Constructed to celebrate Gary’s centennial in 2006, The Fusion will not face demolition. However, Chris Harris, the city’s redevelopment director, suggested it might be moved to enhance the development potential of the site. A developer has yet to be selected for the location. The Fusion, created by Chicago artist Omri Amrany, stands on the Genesis Center plaza. Its construction, costing $650,000, was a joint effort between U.S. Steel and the city, with U.S. Steel contributing the 75,000-pound steel ladle that serves as the sculpture’s base. Former Mayor Scott King anticipated it would ignite economic revival. Amrany, known for sculpting statues like the Michael Jordan statue at the United Center and Harry Caray’s statue outside Wrigley Field, explained that The Fusion signifies cultural unity among Gary’s diverse ethnic groups.
The sculpture depicts three 9-foot-tall workers, donning protective masks, pouring melted steel from a ladle. “They’re standing next to hot steel, so if they weren’t covered, they’d die. But also, because they’re covered, you don’t know if they’re black, white, Hispanic or what,” Amrany noted in a 2006 interview. “There’s no difference among us.” The workers are accompanied by 50 cast glass flames and granite butterflies symbolizing global cultures.
McKenya Dilworth-Smith, director of the Gary Historical Society and chairwoman of the Gary Arts Council, believes public input should be considered if The Fusion is relocated. “The artwork has traditionally reflected the essence and collective identity of the city,” she stated. “If relocated, perhaps somewhere close like the Gary Land Building or in Midtown. I think those two places would make sense.”
The Fusion has endured challenges similar to the city. In 2007, a granite piece detached from the butterfly portion, requiring repairs. It was returned to its site in 2008. By 2013, more granite fell, lying on the ground surrounded by caution tape until repairs were made. The Fusion remained a silent observer to the Genesis Center’s decline.
Two former Genesis Center directors were involved in financial malfeasance, resulting in guilty pleas to federal charges in 2017 and 2018. Deborah Black and Victoria Wilson misappropriated funds, repaying $16,000 and $12,000, respectively. The center struggled to maintain operations in the face of scarce bookings, compounded by the need for budget allocations for its upkeep.
Despite having hosted prominent events like Whitney Houston and Prince concerts and Donald Trump’s Miss USA pageants, the center ultimately closed in 2020. Its final significant event was the 2019 funeral of five-term mayor Richard G. Hatcher, under whose administration the Genesis Center was built. Post-closure, vandals targeted the site, prompting the city to install a $9,000 camera security system last year.
Carole Carlson contributed the article as a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.