So back out exploring after classes today, and damn was it chilly. Windchill put it at a brisk 11F. Regardless, the city here is getting renovated big time. After they built the arena, they figured they needed parking, so a few old buildings have been slated for demolition. I took the back alley to find the tunnel open to access the one building. A little bit of research has led to this being an old Elks Lodge, built in 1904 (111 years ago).

1. Popping out into the opening.


2. Obligatory chair, since UER seems to like them.


3. This must have been a later addition.


4. If I had my light, I might have checked this out.


5. First room from the only open hole in the building.


6. A fire would have been nice today.


7. Peeling


8. The Front Door


9. Floor Two


10. The Sad Room


11. Please wash your hands before handling the equipment.


12. Floor Two (Again)


13. Still beautiful in her state.


14. Time of Death: 11:00


15. Lastly, this is taken from outside looking up through the busted out windows of the third floor. This is what initially attracted me to this building. The designs on the ceiling look fascinating, and I wanted to see them up close. Unfortunately, I thought I heard someone calling for me, so I booked it out of there after only getting to the second floor. I don't know when it will come down, but I would love to get back in there and finish shooting.

that's awesome, you'll definitely have to go back! And bring a flashlight for the creepy basement.
It's interesting how the pink room on the second floor is not quite as, well, shitty looking, as the first floor. I wonder why.

Posted by JennyUE that's awesome, you'll definitely have to go back! And bring a flashlight for the creepy basement. It's interesting how the pink room on the second floor is not quite as, well, shitty looking, as the first floor. I wonder why.

Doing some research, they tried to rehabilitate the building a few times, which may be why it looks that way. Also, when it was still a lodge, it apparently had a bowling alley in the basement.

Posted by SouthPaw Doing some research, they tried to rehabilitate the building a few times, which may be why it looks that way. Also, when it was still a lodge, it apparently had a bowling alley in the basement.

Okay now you HAVE to go back and check out the basement. Because that just sounds awesome.

What a shame a beautiful building like this is going to be knocked down. I bet all the people who pass it every day call it an eyesore but they have no idea what it's like inside. Very cool man.

There's a blue cast on a lot of these. You see that, right?

KEv

Hot dang this place looks cool!

Posted by burkek There's a blue cast on a lot of these. You see that, right? KEv

Yeah, I need to work on how I edit them. I tried to lessen the exposure, because the sun was already setting a bit, and was glaring right over the building.

Another cold day, another trip to the Lodge. I made my way up to the 3rd floor today, (I need to find the route up to the small 4th story level). Still no trip to the basement, as though I had my light, I had reservations against using the stairs. On that note, if there are any locals who would like to check this out, I hear the weather next week is supposed to be terrible, which is perfect for this exploration.

1. Ventilation


2. Looks like they were beginning work.


3. 3rd Floor Ceiling


4. A small grotto.


5. The only major structural damage I saw, sections of the ceiling are gone.


6. Everything including the bathroom sink.


7. I loved the ornate work of the place. Back in it's hayday, this was the place to be in the city.


8. I found clothes strewn about, including some hanging here on the bathroom door. I don't think they were that recent.

Thank you for sharing. Do you have any idea why the 2nd floor is so different from the rest? It seems that if they wanted to rehabilitate the building, they wouldn't just do the 2nd floor.

Very nice set. To bad a nice building like that is just rotting.

Posted by Crashplan Thank you for sharing. Do you have any idea why the 2nd floor is so different from the rest? It seems that if they wanted to rehabilitate the building, they wouldn't just do the 2nd floor.

Not sure, honestly. It might have to do with the use of the floors. A former police officer bought it years back trying to rebuild it, but eventually it was sold for some reason. The damage might also be from break-ins, which the second to last owner had issues with, eventually installing security cameras (which are gone at this point).

Posted by ForgottenRails Very nice set. To bad a nice building like that is just rotting.

It gets worse. It's not just rotting, it's owned by the city. It used to be a full block, now this and one other building are just awaiting their day with the wrecking ball, so they can build a parking garage there.

Last week I walked by and I noticed a backhoe sitting in the lot. I finally got the time to get out there today, hoping I would not be too late to get that elusive basement and 4th floor, but unfortunately, they already had it down.

What a shame. That 4th floor looked amazing, great sets.

Shit ! Totally forgot about this place , what a shame .

Posted by SouthPaw Yeah, I need to work on how I edit them. I tried to lessen the exposure, because the sun was already setting a bit, and was glaring right over the building.

White balance. Regardless it looks like a fun location, thanks for sharing