Great explore, but I actually wish it was more secure. For having many POE, it's in surprisingly great shape. With that said, open windows and the design of this structure has started a timer, and I am anxious what this will look like in just a few years, at this rate.
There is a basement/lower level (with ballroom), slightly elevated first floor with massive ballroom, second floor is small (ballrooms are two stories tall), third floor has another ballroom (with a balcony), and the fourth floor is the Duck Adoption Center with roof access.
I don't feel comfortable without 21 feet between me and potential threats, so I was on very high alert for several portions of this explore. The only truly challenging spots were the lowest level, being underground and all. Super dark, and poor coverage while trying to slice the pie and clear rooms. For passage between the basement and first floor, there is a staircase. It is 100% pitch black, and I personally said fudge that, and used the ladder on the opposite side of the building. Easy peasy.
No signs of life here, only animal traces (besides ducks) were some visiting raccoon prints, then some mushrooms, and some rotting/mold/algae. It's interesting, as the local area can be quickly judged/stereotyped as poor (financially and culturally), but the culture and community in the area is rich. I grew up a few minutes up the road, and I felt more at home than where I've lived the past five years. There are some local groups in the area that could definitely make use of this place! But on to the show. . .
1. I think I used this in the Parked Out Front thread. The last public post here was 2014, and since, there are no signs or warnings on the structure. Note 7
20170827_140751 by
Rose ByAnotherName, on Flickr
2. The only interior piece left, of relevance. The Eastern Star is the women only version of Masonry. Note 7
20170827_140141 by
Rose ByAnotherName, on Flickr
3. I always like to include staircases- I don't know why. Of course, always check the steps before walking, but every one was solid. 360
SAM_100_0808 by
Rose ByAnotherName, on Flickr
4. Basement with ladder to second floor. 360
SAM_100_0780 by
Rose ByAnotherName, on Flickr
5. Small dining area. Table was set for us. Note 7
20170827_124155 by
Rose ByAnotherName, on Flickr
6. Middle level auditorium. 360
SAM_100_0785 by
Rose ByAnotherName, on Flickr
7. The botany is growing here (get it?!). 360
20170827_130227 by
Rose ByAnotherName, on Flickr
8. As much graffiti is here, there is surprisingly little outside debris inside. 360
SAM_100_0791 by
Rose ByAnotherName, on Flickr
9. Top ballroom, with balcony. It's interesting to see the architecture of the ceiling, and how it's failing. 360
SAM_100_0795 by
Rose ByAnotherName, on Flickr
10. Better shot of the failing ceiling. Note 7
20170827_133018 by
Rose ByAnotherName, on Flickr
11. My favorite shot. Note 7
20170827_132945 by
Rose ByAnotherName, on Flickr
12. Botany on the rise. Note 7
20170827_132953 by
Rose ByAnotherName, on Flickr
13. The top floor had the Duck Adoption Agency. Note 7
20170827_135741 by
Rose ByAnotherName, on Flickr
14. Ducks. I counted nine including a rare duck, and a top secret hidden one. Note 7
20170827_134146 by
Rose ByAnotherName, on Flickr
15. Duck Adoption Center and Roof Access.
SAM_100_0800 by
Rose ByAnotherName, on Flickr
16. Rooftop. Nothing special. The ladder was a thrill, but this is in a high traffic area, not much view wise, and the nails in the roof impede crawling.
SAM_100_0803 by
Rose ByAnotherName, on Flickr
Remainder of the photos:
https://www.flickr.../with/36076317583/ They just don't make buildings like they used to. So grand, and so much life happened within these walls.