Five years ago, when I was still fairly new at this hobby, I explored this popular location. Today I returned and, unsurprisingly, it's even more trashed than it was back then. The layout is still confusing and contains numerous dead ends and random tiny rooms. Remnants of an aborted renovation project can still be found on the lower floors. There are two observation domes, a lecture hall, several small classrooms, and display cases in certain hallways and the vestibule.

The observatory was built in 1919 and generously donated to a technological institution by the owners of a local factory that produced telescopes among other goods. It was outfitted with a 9.5-inch refractor telescope produced by that company. In 1941, the 24-inch Burrell Schmidt telescope was added in a second dome. As Cleveland grew, light pollution inhibited research badly enough that the Burrell Schmidt telescope was moved to another location in 1957. A 36-inch telescope for public viewing was installed and used until the observatory closed in 1980. The building was sold in 1983 and left dormant until 2005 when it was purchased by a wealthy couple who began renovating it to use as their residence. The owner was convicted of mortgage fraud and imprisoned in 2007, leaving the observatory to be destroyed by the elements and inconsiderate humans.

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IMG_2170 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2166 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2098 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2102 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2105 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2107 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2112 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2116 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2123 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2125 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2139 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2145 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2147 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2149 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2150 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2155 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2156 by KMD1720, on Flickr

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IMG_2158 by KMD1720, on Flickr

Some terrible 2014 photos for comparison:
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Main Entrance by KMD1720, on Flickr

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Enhancements by KMD1720, on Flickr

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Marble Hallway by KMD1720, on Flickr

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Classroom by KMD1720, on Flickr

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Door Storage by KMD1720, on Flickr

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Light Bulb by KMD1720, on Flickr

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Going Back to College by KMD1720, on Flickr

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Open Your Eyes by KMD1720, on Flickr

Any historical photos of what this place looked like when it was still in use? It's always amazing how fast some places can decay.

Goddamn, what a wreck.

Nice shots!

I went there earlier this year. Ran into a few groups of kids who were exploring, and at one point what looked like... an engagement photo session...

Looking at other's photos, it appears that it gets pretty overgrown with ivy in the warmer months, I wanna go back for that, hopefully it'll still be standing. :/

Wow that was really something... shitbirds, no heat and water can do a lot in a short time span
Cool even in it's ruins, Thanks for sharing

I'm amazed every time I come back and this place is still standing. I was there mid February 2020 and the front door was wide open.

I think the popularity of this place is one of the reasons it looks like this now. Its a shame but they all fall one day.

Any body have any images in it's prime?
Especially interior shots...

Yes, this place has really blown up over the past few years. Everyone and their grandmother has been there. That front door has been open for months, if not years. It's never really been policed as far as I know but these days they don't even bother trying to close openings.

This site has some historical photos toward the bottom of the page: https://architectu...look-to-the-skies/

Posted by Gothic Ghoul Goddamn, what a wreck.

seconded!!!

The place really hasn't been treated well. Walked in on a bunch of local kids tagging the place. After a cursory glance to confirm we weren't cops, they just kept going.

The growth on the front is really something during the summer.

I really got to get to this before it's too late. Thanks for sharing!

The guy that bought it and was convicted is a real nice guy. He was arrested 3 years later for auto theft and cargo theft.