Few places are as legendary in urbex (urban exploration, i.e., poking around at abandoned places just for the sake of exploration) as the entire city of Gary, Indiana. Gary is known to Hoosiers as the place where we don't go, but for some, it's a bastion of intrigue and fascination. Those of us (myself included) who are, for whatever reason, drawn to the decay of urban structures find Gary to be a place worthy of a visit. While many avoid the town altogether, some of us would LOVE to take a look. Take, for example, the old Union Station on Broadway. When it comes to abandoned places in Indiana, many structures in Gary are worth a look - including this one.
Union Station is, perhaps obviously, an abandoned union railway station in Gary.
Built in 1910, this structure served as the town's hub for travel and industry, and to this day, its exceptional architecture ensures that the structural integrity remains.
Interestingly, this station started as a simple train boxcar that was dropped off in this spot in 1906.
When the station was built four years later, it was built in the old Beaux-Arts style out of concrete - though the concrete was poured and made to look like stone. It was busy, once, but today it's a little less bustling.
The building is nestled in between two raised rail walls, so it's hard to see until you're right on top of it - or in front of it.
It's become something of an unofficial community hub over the decades, often with new art decorating the outside. Like much of Gary, it lies forgotten by most, but to those of us a little on the strange side who appreciate urban decay for its dark beauty, well, we think this place is just neat.
The concrete exterior is still in very solid shape, and it won't take much to restore it all to its former glory.
It's pretty amazing just how well this place has withstood the test of time (at least on the outside!). It's a beacon showing the ability of Hoosiers to last a long time - even if we're a bit tired on the inside!
The interior hasn't fared as well as the exterior over the decades; it closed in 1971 after 20 years of waning use.
But, I mean, it could be much worse. Other structures in Gary are in significantly rougher shape and many are no longer explorable thanks to dangerous conditions. This one's in decent enough shape that there are currently plans to revitalize the place.
What's in the future for the old Union Station?
Rumor has it that as of August 2023, there's a project in the works to turn it into as a job center, Fiber Smart House, and community space for all sorts of fun things. I'm optimistic that this new purpose will turn this old place - designated on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019 - into a vibrant space once more.
If you're interested in more details about the plans for the old Gary Union Station, check out all the info on Indiana Landmarks. If you need a place to stay while exploring Gary, be sure to explore the offerings from our friends at VRBO. What are your favorite abandoned places in Indiana? Let me know!
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