The Repurposing of Abandoned Buildings in Gary, Indiana with Sustainable Design: The Revitalization of a Distressed City

Authors

Tatiana Height, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

Spring 2015

Document Type

Article

Citation

Environmental Studies Undergraduate Student Thesis, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 2015

Comments

Copyright © 2015 Tatiana Height

Abstract

Abandonment has been a major problem plaguing the city of Gary, Indiana. The city saw its peak in the 1960’s and has since been the site of pollution due to the steel mill, a general lack of investment, and seedy behavior in empty buildings. Based on information gathered, such as the Broken Windows Theory, citizen testimonials, expert interviews, government initiatives, and revitalization plans of other cities, restoring abandoned buildings will prove socially and economically beneficial to the city of Gary. This research provides suggestions for how to mitigate the abandoned building problems, suggestions for possible funding of the abandoned building revitalization plan, and reasons for hope in this urban area.