Memoir of 46402:Inside the Forgotten Places

By Sean Lee

46402 is a zipcode that belongs to Gary, Indiana. Once a glorious hub of arts and culture, Gary thrived relying on its titanic steel industry until the 60s when it was consumed by a whirlwind of downfall. The steel giant now boasts violent crime score of 564.9, compared to thenational average of 214 while its property crime score soars at 689.6 compared to the national aver of 266.5. Perhaps the most staggering difference comes from the murder count, 46 reported murders in 2012 compared to 4.8 national average.

Nowadays the city is often considered as one of the most dangerous murder capitals in the nation. With the city’s treasury at its all time low,it has given up on city maintenance programs for decades, including snow plowing and demolishing of abandoned or destroyed structures. With hundreds of forgotten homes alluring criminals and squatters, the living condition has been continually free falling for 50 years withouthitting the rock bottom yet. Often Chicagoans wonder “Is Gary really that bad?” This is a realistic, intimate look of not only the downtown and ‘tourist spots’ of Gary, but also in the shadows behind the charred walls and plywood windows.

I’ve spent my year 2013 out of school, working and volunteering in the neighborhoods with high crime rates in Northwest Indiana. Most of the volunteering projects I’veworked on was construction. Ever since my humble experience between the rotting walls, photographing and archiving the surreal vibe of Gary that words cannot expresshas been on my bucketlist. This is my homage to the fallen city that has taught me many invaluable lessons through its wonderfully twisted side.

Downtown, Jackson St.

Most of its downtown is obsolete with a few exceptions of government buildings. Once filled with department stores, clubs and restaurants, one can only imagineits glorious days that have passed more than 60 years ago based on the remnants of the past.

Gary Library - 220 W. 5th Ave.

Koinonia Church - 510 W. 13th Ave.

Koinonia Church - 510 W. 13th Ave.

W. 11th Ave.

Gary’s No.1 tourist spot – the birthplace of Michael Jackson.

Now out-of-business car wash has an unforgettable slogan. Right off the exit from I80/94 – it is one of the very first things that will catch your eyes as soon as you enter Gary.

Ace Car Wash- Broadway Ave.

For those with a sardonic sense of humor.

While easily mistaken, this garage is still in business. It’s not rare to find businesses that seem out of business.Auto Service - Grant St.

Razed by fire. This is a perfect example of a destroyed home that city cannot demolish due to its financial strains. 1164 Harrison St.

The 2nd floor 1164 Harrison St.

The 2nd floor 1164 Harrison St.

The 2nd floor 1164 Harrison St.

1164 Harrison St.

The 2nd floor – toilet paper, wet wipes, two pairs of jeans.

M. Divich Building – Maple Ave.

Another abandoned building. Fire-damaged, but still-intact rooftop can be a promising shelter

Through the door: countless bottles of alcohol, garbage and some essential household items. Occupied, perhaps?M. Divich Building – Maple Ave.

Fresh footprints scattered on the doorstep stopped me right before pushing open the creaking door. Alone and only armed with a camera, I stood thinking for awhile,

then I turned back and walked towards my car.

M. Divich Building – Maple Ave.

Or not. Unfortunately (and thankfully) the resident was absent. Inside I found – a dusty couch, lots of alcohol, puddles, garbage, toilet paper anda pile of excrement that reeked ever so pervasively.

M. Divich Building – Maple Ave.

Horace Norton School – Harrison St.A retired school building caught my eyes. Currently there are eleven vacant school buildings in Gary.

Recently, the city approved a sale of one of the schools for $100 to the Boys & Girls Club.

While walking around the building trying to find a door that will give in to my relentless pulling (and kicks), I couldn’t help to wonder“What happened to these kids? How did they grow up?” When no proper entrance budged, I picked up a rock instead to execute my plan B.

Horace Norton School, you shall serve my educational needs.

Horace Norton School – Harrison St.

Old fashioned overhead, upside-down desks and many other things. Horace Norton School – Harrison St.

Address unavailable

Left or right?

???A note for the resident: This property will go on a tax sale.

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A book dated back to 1981, toys and children's’ books. A happy family?

The seat that faced out the window was taken by a teddy bear, perhaps just the way the owner left it thirty long years ago.

Survived