Encroaching construction crews are threatening the Babcock Building of the South Carolina Department of Mental Health -- an abandoned asylum for the insane located in Columbia, SC.

I'm sorry: all my photographs were taken outside and in the rain. I did not bring a respirator and water kept dotting my lens.

1. Hurry.

2. Bring a respirator capable of filtering black mold and asbestos.

3. Go on the weekend to avoid construction crew foremen.

4. I suggest not going at night

1.


2.


3.


4.


5.


6.


7.

So sad, that place has such a rich history.

That place is a really beautiful explore. I am sad to see it go. =(
I thought part of it was going to be saved?

Unfortunately, they've privatized the rights to Babcock. I doubt housing corporations have any interest in the cultural history of this building, let alone the wackos (us) interested in its exploration.

Perhaps we should organize a group outing.

I've heard enough conflicting news about the extent of this demolition. So I emailed some folks from the state preservation society.

Here's what one of them said.

"It is our understanding that a number of buildings on site will be preserved, and we have no information that would lead us to believe that the Babcock Building will be demolished."

Not sure whether that includes the wings, but I'm glad at least part of it will continue to stand.

They better not demolish this before the trip I have planned in the next couple weeks to see it. Hudson is already being demoed, and that was on my list of locations for this trip. My timing is impeccable.

Things always move slow man. I think you'll make it! Best of luck!


ALso---Thanks for the update Sara!

Posted by sara'mer I've heard enough conflicting news about the extent of this demolition. So I emailed some folks from the state preservation society. "It is our understanding that a number of buildings on site will be preserved, and we have no information that would lead us to believe that the Babcock Building will be demolished."

Sara,

That's great news! I should have done more research before starting this thread.

I've visited this place twice within the last month. It's still good and standing but is surrounded by a fence. The first access point I used to enter is now boarded up, but there are others. I've gotten about 500+ photos of the place but still haven't explored the whole thing because of its sheer size. There is an extensive underground system beneath this building and possibly others. I'm in the process of uploading all my photos to Imgur for posting here. I plan on going back, however. I want to explore everything this place has to offer. So far, I've only been to building sections 11, 13, 14, and 15 of the Babcock building. For anyone interested, here's a link to information on the place as well as a map of the entire campus. If you need any information about the place, let me know.

http://lichen.csd..../bullstreet/story/ (This website also has over 500 scanned documents from and about the campus that are pretty old)

Can hardly wait to see the photos from your next trip, Mr. Mark.

https://uer.ca/for...=1&threadid=123363

Posted by Kwestyun Mark I've visited this place twice within the last month. It's still good and standing but is surrounded by a fence. The first access point I used to enter is now boarded up, but there are others. I've gotten about 500+ photos of the place but still haven't explored the whole thing because of its sheer size. There is an extensive underground system beneath this building and possibly others. I'm in the process of uploading all my photos to Imgur for posting here. I plan on going back, however. I want to explore everything this place has to offer. So far, I've only been to building sections 11, 13, 14, and 15 of the Babcock building. For anyone interested, here's a link to information on the place as well as a map of the entire campus. If you need any information about the place, let me know. http://lichen.csd..../bullstreet/story/ (This website also has over 500 scanned documents from and about the campus that are pretty old) http://i.imgur.com/UGhdqhV.jpg

I just moved to Columbia recently and I really want to get in there!! I'd love to see every inch of that place. Hoping my fiance and I will be able to get in in the next week.

The 4 buildings at the top are the Maximum security detention center buildings and they are right for exploring now....no fences...and open! Police have upped the security for the summer at the Fenced section.....its a 475.00 fine IF you dont go to jail....depends on your past record!