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Some of you from the Houston area will probably recognize this iconic landmark. I've been wanting in here for years but the city owns it, security is VERY tight (24 hour security guards, cameras and motion detectors) and the local cops do not issue trespass warnings.
I managed to do some social engineering last weekend with a guy who has access to this place and he gave me a guided tour. The facility has a contract on it now for $25M and the developer is looking to turn it into a hotel beginning this summer. I am the last photographer who will be allowed in before construction begins!
Before our meeting, I donned a hard hat, reflective vest, put on a nice shirt, and walked into the outlying buildings like I owned the place and started snapping pictures. I got a lot of looks but nobody messed with me. In fact, when I wanted access to what I thought was an upper level, I grabbed a guy and asked him to take me up there. We walked through one of the buildings and he pointed to a makeshift ladder that looked REALLY sketchy. I thanked him and said I would go up some other time. He said that there was nothing up there anyway but HVAC equipment anyway.
All and all a great explore, and I feel very privileged to be able to visit this place before god only knows what happens to it. Lets all hope that they keep as much of the original building and fixtures as possible.
EDIT:
More photos and better quality on Flickr:
https://www.flickr.../72157666308079531
ENJOY!
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[last edit 3/27/2016 3:08 AM by Peptic Ulcer - edited 1 times]
See More on Flickr!
https://www.flickr...tos/133983270@N06/
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Gotta love grabbing that last minute access to somewhere.
I'm not from that area (never even really been down that way often), but it looks like an amazing spot with some great history to it. Some really good pics out of the visit, definitely a nice record!
On a side note...another weird hobby of mine (not saying this hobby is weird at all - ha) has been collecting the old stamped Texas-made bricks from around the time when the state was cranking them out left and right. I've got a couple dozen now (only been at it about a year or so, and relying solely on finding them) and noticed that there were some in one of the pics you put up. Looks like 'Groesbeck' from zooming in on your Flickr pics. I love seeing those in old buildings, but hate to think of them getting plowed under by a wrecking crew.
I just wanted to reach through the screen and pluck those bricks out, oddly enough. Funny what different people take away from pictures, I know.
"You guys tearing this down? Ok, i'm taking this brick. No, i'm not going to throw it. Just...like...to keep. I don't know why, it's just cool. I'm serious. No, really...people do this...honest."
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Neat spot. Your photography is improving!
"When it rains, just find bigger drains." | |
Post by denton_robo
Gotta love grabbing that last minute access to somewhere.
I'm not from that area (never even really been down that way often), but it looks like an amazing spot with some great history to it. Some really good pics out of the visit, definitely a nice record! |
There is a museum being constructed on the site and they will be using some of my photos as part of the "before-during-after" sequence. There is a TON of history to this place but I promised not to even post photos until the construction is finished so at this point I'm not ready to reveal anything more (I wish I could though because its so interesting!).
As far as the brick thing goes...huh? Collecting bricks is really a thing? I suppose I thought I was weird going into buildings before I found out there is a whole hobby built around it.
Post by relik
Neat spot. Your photography is improving! |
Thanks much! Being able to take my time and set up the shots made a big difference. Because of the importance of the location and the photos going up for viewing to the general public, I REALLY spent some time on the processing side as well. Although I'm positive there are a ton of other local explorers that could have done better, I'm still honored I was given the opportunity, and proud of the results.
See More on Flickr!
https://www.flickr...tos/133983270@N06/
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Speaking of bricks...check out the way they are falling in on themselves in #29. Wouldn't want to grab one out of that stack!
Great set!
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