Some of you from the Houston area will probably recognize this iconic landmark. I've been wanting in here for years but the city owns it, security is VERY tight (24 hour security guards, cameras and motion detectors) and the local cops do not issue trespass warnings.
I managed to do some social engineering last weekend with a guy who has access to this place and he gave me a guided tour. The facility has a contract on it now for $25M and the developer is looking to turn it into a hotel beginning this summer. I am the last photographer who will be allowed in before construction begins!
Before our meeting, I donned a hard hat, reflective vest, put on a nice shirt, and walked into the outlying buildings like I owned the place and started snapping pictures. I got a lot of looks but nobody messed with me. In fact, when I wanted access to what I thought was an upper level, I grabbed a guy and asked him to take me up there. We walked through one of the buildings and he pointed to a makeshift ladder that looked REALLY sketchy. I thanked him and said I would go up some other time. He said that there was nothing up there anyway but HVAC equipment anyway.
All and all a great explore, and I feel very privileged to be able to visit this place before god only knows what happens to it. Lets all hope that they keep as much of the original building and fixtures as possible.
EDIT:
More photos and better quality on Flickr:
https://www.flickr.../72157666308079531 ENJOY!
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