There's something ironic about urban decay. In many cases, the most dilapidated buildings used to provide supplies or services that essentially built the infrastructure around them. From mills to power plants to hospitals, everyone should be able to recognize the importance that these historic places held at one point in time.

Well, in this case the supplies were quite literally the building materials. Youngblood Lumber Company was located right in the heart of the "Arts District" of Minneapolis. It certainly displays its own art nowadays, but that's not the focus of this post.

Let's dive into the past, present, and future of this awesome location.

Full Album On Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAUXCi


Nearly 150 years ago, a lumber company was born. I dug as hard as possible to find the original company, however the earliest primary source I can find dates back to only 1938. This document lists "Bennett-Bailey Lumber Co." as a supplier of softwood and hardwood at this address.

Document from 1938:
https://books.goog...ett-bailey&f=false



It was here that millions of dollars moved annually. At some point in the 40s, it became Youngblood Lumber Company, although I hear their supplier still goes by Bennett... This company provided bulk materials for builders and remodelers, as well as allowing customers to pick their own parts for smaller projects. It's difficult to find much about the details, but there are some recent accounts raving about this place, which only closed in 2019 mind you!

Wholesome Story With Photos From 2019:
https://www.smokin...erry-dining-table/



Nature is beginning to reclaim its territory, after being stripped down and used as flooring. Revenge is sweet.



Yet of course, signs of humanity remain no matter the territory.



So what happened? How could a popular lumber supplier quickly fall apart and become what it is now, in just 4 years?!?!

Well, the answer is always money. From what I've heard, the land is valuable enough... but for what exactly? Youngblood Lumber Company officially ended its complete liquidation on June 26th, 2019.

Liquidation Details:
https://www.bid-2-...iquidation-bw39546

This of course angered the woodworkers, guitarists, and canoe enthusiasts across the area, taking to various websites to share their anger:

r/woodworking:
https://www.reddit...apolis_is_closing/

Angry Tractor Drivers:
https://www.tracto...eapolis-mn.411897/



Ah yes, you know what we need more of in this town? Brutalist apartments. Okay, they don't look that bad, but c'mon. The property of the former lumber yard gained interest from developers.

News Article On Proposal:
https://finance-co...former-lumberyard/

Proposed Apartment Complex:
https://www.northe...Combined-Email.pdf



The proposal is in! So now what? Well, it seems everything is in the works to get this crap out the way so the Youngblood Apartments can be built! In fact, the city council held a meeting on 12/8/2022 in which they approved the Environmental Assessment Worksheet, essentially allowing this development to occur.

Council Records:
https://lims.minne...genda/Council/3621

Environmental Assessment Worksheet:
https://www2.minne...Youngblood-EAW.pdf

Worksheet Findings:
https://www2.minne...rd-of-Decision.pdf



Who would want to demolish this?? Well, someone apparently. However, I have yet to find any documentation beyond 2022. There is a single line in the EAW that mentions construction was to begin in the spring of 2023, and conclude in 2025. Clearly that did not come to fruition.

Anyways, here are some liminal spaces I thoroughly enjoyed in the office/home space on the edge of the property.



I sure hope the new apartments keep that carpet color!



Welcome to corporate hell.



The blurriness really adds to the aesthetic of this image. I promise I did that on purpose.



So, what's gonna happen to this place? Honestly, I have no idea. I'm certainly glad I got the opportunity to check it out. It was one of those sites where I came into it expecting a few boring buildings, but everywhere I looked I found a new corridor. That's the beauty of exploring. You never really have an idea of what's to come. That's how she goes.

Great post! I live in NE and drive past this place all the time. Shoot, I used to buy lumber here when we first moved in. Sad to see it close.

Very nice, great research into how it became abandoned and what might happen to it. Good photos too!

Posted by climb_something Great post! I live in NE and drive past this place all the time. Shoot, I used to buy lumber here when we first moved in. Sad to see it close.

I couldn't believe the location. I could hear live music playing right next door. It also amazes me how it ended up like this in such a short amount of time. I guess the buildings are in relatively good shape, but clearly they didn't care to spend much on security. Guess those buildings will be flattened soon anyways. Would love to connect with you, before I stopped here I was checking out the mill area nearby. Couldn't find any way in, looked pretty locked down. Are you interested in connecting?

Posted by Aran Very nice, great research into how it became abandoned and what might happen to it. Good photos too!

Just trying to emulate the quality you are always providing! Seriously, glad to have such an active member to look up to with great information and photos to go along with it. Loved your recent post about the hospital.