In a remarkable effort to revive a once-thriving industrial powerhouse, the city of Gary, Indiana, is undergoing a transformation following decades of decline. Dubbed 'Scary Gary' due to its crime-ravaged state, the city now aspires to become a thriving urban hub akin to its neighboring city, Chicago.

Gary, named after US Steel founder Elbert Henry Gary, was once a prosperous metropolis that supplied the raw materials for numerous bridges, tunnels, and skyscrapers across America. Notably, it was the birthplace of the legendary Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five.

However, the decline of the American steel industry in the 1970s, accompanied by the rise of foreign steel imports, led to Gary's downfall. Its population dwindled from 180,000 in 1960 to less than half that number today, leaving approximately 10,000 buildings abandoned.

Mayor Eddie Melton, a Democrat, believes that Gary has the potential for success, thanks to its strong infrastructure. Melton aims to reshape Gary's narrative and attract business investment. The city's prime location on the banks of Lake Michigan, with easy access to railroads and a shipping port, as well as the nearby Indiana Dunes National Park, presents promising opportunities for growth.

Under Melton's administration, initiatives have been launched to tear down old buildings and make way for new developments. Plans include the construction of a casino and a minor league ballpark. Officials hope that Gary will become a more affordable alternative to Chicago, as housing prices in the city average at just $69,725, significantly lower than Chicago's average of $279,118.

Transportation systems in the area are also being revitalized. A $127 million grant for Interstates 80 and 94 promises improved connectivity in Gary, while the South Shore Line commuter rail link is set to open a second set of tracks between Gary and Michigan City. Additionally, the Gary/Chicago International Airport has been granted $6 million to enhance its cargo capacity, aiming to become a logistics hub for companies like the United Parcel Service.

Despite these promising developments, officials face challenges due to Gary's status as a political outlier. The city's smaller Democratic administration often faces opposition from larger conservative counties and a Republican-controlled state. This has hindered funding and expansion initiatives, leaving Gary to struggle with limited resources.

Previous attempts to revitalize Gary, such as a multimillion-dollar theme park based on the Jackson Five's legacy, have faltered. However, the current efforts to transform the city show promising signs of progress.

By capitalizing on its existing infrastructure and strategic location, Gary strives to shed its ominous reputation and regain its economic vigor. The city's aspirations to become an urban center provide hope for both its residents and the larger region.

As the city's transformation continues, Gary aims to redefine itself and reemerge as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and opportunity in the heart of the Rust Belt.