This abandoned Masonic Temple in Cleveland has been on my list for some time and today I finally got to it. All I really know about it is that it was built in 1916 and is a historic landmark. The front doors are barred shut so I had to look elsewhere for an entry point. I finally found one but it was a little...difficult. I ended up sliding on my butt and cutting my finger open but this location was worth it. Some parts of the floors are mossy and creaky and water drips continuously in the basement so the place has extensive water damage. At some point, someone even put containers to catch the water under a couple of the leaks. The temple has a mixture of several auditorium/sanctuary-like spaces and smaller rooms, many of which were full of furniture. I found chairs, tables, pianos, an organ, couches and lots of high-heeled shoes. I would say that the interior of this building is one of the most photogenic I've come across, although I'm not sure my pictures really do it justice. Someone with more photography skill and a better camera could get some really nice pictures out of this place.
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2. The doors are barred and carry a dangerous building notice from the division of fire.
3. The basement is a large, auditorium-type room where you can't get away from the dripping water. It looks like this is where refreshments were dispensed.
4. One room in the basement had several cabinets/shelves full of plates, cups, glasses and other dinner utensils.
5. This was set up in the women's restroom. Why, I don't know. Maybe there was once a wall between them or something.
6. The first floor auditorium was a mess of broken chairs and water-damaged flooring. One doorway is completely blocked by a pile of tires.
7. Piano in the auditorium.
8. Up on the stage was a sadly decaying organ.
9. The auditorium from the stage.
10. Yet another piano on the second floor. This room was full of fake flowers and high heels.
11. This room was set up almost like a waiting area.
12. One of the many high-heeled shoes strewn around the room.
13. The men's room. Each stall doors reminds you to flush after use.
14. Up on the third floor was another sanctuary/auditorium directly above the one on the first floor.
15. Wooden benches were lined against the walls on both sides of the room.
16. Clearly a previously created photo opportunity.
I spent over an hour going through the Masonic Temple, a building that really intrigues me now that I've been there. Since it's a historic landmark, I'm hoping they can find some way to renovate it but with all the damage, I'm not sure it'll ever happen. When I exited the building, there was a city vehicle parked in front of it with flashers on and the driver sitting inside. I don't know why he was there but he probably saw me and it didn't seem like he cared too much.
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