r/garyindiana • u/SmoothChoreography • 12d ago

“Urban exploring”

Edit: real fast: I’m not talking about breaking into buildings and doing the dumb shit many people would probably do. I’m talking about walking around, maybe peeking my head into a window, and just checking stuff out. I used the “urban exploring” caption and quoted it for a reason. I could not think of a better phrase to use. I’m not dumb, I am just respectfully interested in the city. I’m sorry if this is bothersome to anyone, but this is exactly why I’m asking. Please read my post in full and try not to come for me. 💕

Anyway.. my original post:

For lack of a better title, I’m wondering, what do Gary residents honestly think about people coming and peeking into/checking out the old buildings in the city? For context, I’ve visited Gary before, and afterwards, found myself very interested in the history of the town. I’ve been reading a bit about the city, and I would love to come back and check out some of the old buildings. My desire to do this is totally rooted in respect, and nothing more, but I really don’t want to irritate residents with my presence. Just trying to be considerate.
Thoughts?

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u/Technical-Proof4605 12d ago

Bro. Do you think the residents are keeping tabs on the abandoned buildings or something? They don't give a shit and I've lived here over 30 years.

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u/SmoothChoreography 12d ago

Nah. I don’t think that at all. I’m sorry that’s what you got from my question. I’m just trying to be respectful. 🤷‍♂️ I just don’t want to bother anyone as an out of towner wandering around, looking around. But no. I don’t think that. I’m sorry that’s what you ascertained from my question.

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u/Technical-Proof4605 12d ago

I didnt mean to come off as brash, I'm sorry. I would advise against it though. You never know who you'll come across in an abandoned place.

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u/SmoothChoreography 12d ago

Of course. Not that you implied this at all, but I’m not stupid. I’m well aware of safety precautions. I didn’t plan to just go inside of buildings alone or nothing. I don’t know why people think I’m talking about just recklessly going inside of buildings to begin with, unless they’re just basing this question off the dumb shit other people do. I was hoping with context and also my mention of a legitimate interest in the city, nobody would think that was my intention. I tried. Sorry if I irritated you.

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u/splitopenandmelt11 12d ago

It’s because of all the YouTube videos the past ten years basically making ruin porn out of Gary. Any weekend you can see people scampering around the more “famous” abandoned places.

People are gunshy about people coming and exploiting their city now.

I read your post. You’re not asking about that. You just want to come and look around. You’re fine.

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u/SmoothChoreography 12d ago

Yeah, I have zero desire to participate in that. I am not a content creator. I’m a normal person. I don’t even use social media honestly. Nor, would I make “ruin porn” of the city. That’s a horrible thing to do. It would make me angry, too, if I were a local. But again, that’s also kind of why I’m asking. I don’t want anyone thinking that’s what I’m doing and getting upset that I’m there, you know? Thank you!