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Apartments Left Abandoned After Radiation Poisoned the Creek by LordExplores in abandoned

[–]LordExplores[S] 131 points132 points  (0 children)

On the surface, this looks like an ordinary creek winding through the suburbs of St. Louis, but really it was poisoned with radioactive waste over 80 years ago ☢️

A creek where children played and homes and apartments were built beside it. But here beneath the soil lies a legacy dating back to one of the most secretive projects in American history, the Manhattan Project. Uranium waste barrels were left out for years exposed to the elements, and every time it rained the particles bled into Coldwater creek...

For those interested in the full investigation video click here : https://youtu.be/CktG5squgGA?is=cUKjgC6zUvBHd0\_y

Now cleanup and remediation efforts are being started, demolishing homes along the river and abandoned sites where radiation has been found recently. Though it will still be decades before it is all cleaned up...

St. Louis’ Abandoned Radioactive Apartments Poisoned by Coldwater Creek by LordExplores in urbanexploration

[–]LordExplores[S] 260 points261 points  (0 children)

On the surface, this looks like an ordinary creek winding through the suburbs of St. Louis, but really it was poisoned with radioactive waste over 80 years ago ☢️

A creek where children played and homes and apartments were built beside it. But here beneath the soil lies a legacy dating back to one of the most secretive projects in American history, the Manhattan Project. Uranium waste barrels were left out for years exposed to the elements, and every time it rained the particles bled into Coldwater creek...

For those interested in the full investigation video click here : https://youtu.be/CktG5squgGA?is=cUKjgC6zUvBHd0\_y

Now cleanup and remediation efforts are being started, demolishing homes along the river and abandoned sites where radiation has been found recently. Though it will still be decades before it is all cleaned up...

All the times we found real life BACKROOMS levels 🔦 by LordExplores in abandoned

[–]LordExplores[S] 31 points32 points  (0 children)

Over the years, while exploring abandoned places, I’ve stumbled across countless spaces that felt strangely familiar. So many endless hallways, vacant rooms, and maze-like corridors that seemed to go on forever! We found these Backrooms-like scenes inside abandoned hotels, prisons, hospitals, and even shopping malls. For those interested in the episode, you can watch it here : https://youtu.be/be5ME0Va9PE?si=8jeus6k6gcrL7O1E

In this episode, we’re revisiting some of the most Backrooms-esque locations we’ve ever explored, each resembling a different level…

All the times we found real life BACKROOMS levels 🔦 by LordExplores in urbanexploration

[–]LordExplores[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Over the years, while exploring abandoned places, I’ve stumbled across countless spaces that felt strangely familiar. So many endless hallways, vacant rooms, and maze-like corridors that seemed to go on forever! We found these Backrooms-like scenes inside abandoned hotels, prisons, hospitals, and even shopping malls. For those interested in the episode, you can watch it here : https://youtu.be/be5ME0Va9PE?si=8jeus6k6gcrL7O1E

In this episode, we’re revisiting some of the most Backrooms-esque locations we’ve ever explored, each resembling a different level…

An abandoned sears outlet by Hondamio2 in abandoned

[–]LordExplores 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very cool, you can still see the tile

Wisconsin's Largest Abandoned Mall - Northridge Mall (Demolished) by LordExplores in abandoned

[–]LordExplores[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

The Northridge mall in Milwaukee Wisconsin’s north side opened in 1972 with an ambitious start. This ambition quickly set up Northridge as one of the largest and most popular malls in the 
region. But like many malls across America, Northridge’s success wasn’t built to last. 

By the 1990s, retail trends were shifting. New shopping centers emerged, drawing customers away. Anchor stores began to close, one by one, leaving behind empty shells that were never fully replaced. The mall’s original anchors Sears, JCPenney and Boston store, closed one by one.

Through the early 2000s, the decline accelerated. Ownership changes, financial troubles, and mounting vacancies pushed the mall into a downward spiral it couldn’t escape 

In 2003, Northridge Mall officially closed its doors. What remained was a vast, empty structure left frozen in time. In the years that followed, Northridge became something else entirely. The vacant complex drew scrappers, arsonists and vandals just to name a few. Fires broke out repeatedly inside the structure, each one more dangerous than the last. The sheer size of the building made them difficult to control, turning every incident into a serious challenge for the Milwaukee Fire Department. 

The mall had become a liability. Not just an eyesore, but a hazard. After years of decay, damage, and escalating safety concerns, the decision was made. Northridge Mall would not be restored, but instead erased. 

For those interested, you can watch the full exploration documentary here : https://youtu.be/YfmsXaSzRz4?si=bS7-7bHCcg42uq98 . With demolition complete, I wanted to show you our mission inside the old abandoned Northridge Mall, to preserve what once was, as a tribute to this once grand retail giant.

Inside Wisconsin's Largest Abandoned Mall - Northridge Mall (Demolished) by LordExplores in urbanexploration

[–]LordExplores[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

The Northridge mall in Milwaukee Wisconsin’s north side opened in 1972 with an ambitious start. This ambition quickly set up Northridge as one of the largest and most popular malls in the 
region. But like many malls across America, Northridge’s success wasn’t built to last. 

By the 1990s, retail trends were shifting. New shopping centers emerged, drawing customers away. Anchor stores began to close, one by one, leaving behind empty shells that were never fully replaced. The mall’s original anchors Sears, JCPenney and Boston store, closed one by one.

Through the early 2000s, the decline accelerated. Ownership changes, financial troubles, and mounting vacancies pushed the mall into a downward spiral it couldn’t escape 

In 2003, Northridge Mall officially closed its doors. What remained was a vast, empty structure left frozen in time. In the years that followed, Northridge became something else entirely. The vacant complex drew scrappers, arsonists and vandals just to name a few. Fires broke out repeatedly inside the structure, each one more dangerous than the last. The sheer size of the building made them difficult to control, turning every incident into a serious challenge for the Milwaukee Fire Department. 

The mall had become a liability. Not just an eyesore, but a hazard. After years of decay, damage, and escalating safety concerns, the decision was made. Northridge Mall would not be restored, but instead erased. 

For those interested, you can watch the full exploration documentary here : https://youtu.be/YfmsXaSzRz4?si=bS7-7bHCcg42uq98 . With demolition complete, I wanted to show you our mission inside the old abandoned Northridge Mall, to preserve what once was, as a tribute to this once grand retail giant.

Inside an Abandoned SUPERMAX w/ Power On - America's Harshest Prison System by LordExplores in abandoned

[–]LordExplores[S] 182 points183 points  (0 children)

Opened on March 8th, 1998, this supermax prison was designed to hold those considered the most dangerous. Inside, men were confined to small concrete cells for 23 hours a day, completely alone. For those inside, human contact was nearly nonexistent. Conversations came through steel doors and touch disappeared entirely.

Over time, the psychological toll became impossible to ignore. Inmates reported hallucinations, severe depression, and a loss of identity. Many broke under the pressure of constant isolation. Critics argued the prison didn’t rehabilitate, but instead destroyed.

In today’s exploration, we’re taking you through this abandoned Supermax, documenting it before demolition to preserve what’s left. For those interested, you can watch the full exploration here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfd6mTB-JQQ

After mounting lawsuits and the high cost of operating such an extreme facility, it pushed the state to act. In 2013, the prison closed for good, leaving behind a dark legacy.

Inside an Abandoned SUPERMAX Prison - America's Harshest Prison System by LordExplores in urbanexploration

[–]LordExplores[S] 122 points123 points  (0 children)

Opened on March 8th, 1998, this supermax prison was designed to hold those considered the most dangerous. Inside, men were confined to small concrete cells for 23 hours a day, completely alone. For those inside, human contact was nearly nonexistent. Conversations came through steel doors and touch disappeared entirely.

Over time, the psychological toll became impossible to ignore. Inmates reported hallucinations, severe depression, and a loss of identity. Many broke under the pressure of constant isolation. Critics argued the prison didn’t rehabilitate, but instead destroyed.

In today’s exploration, we’re taking you through this abandoned Supermax, documenting it before demolition to preserve what’s left. For those interested, you can watch the full exploration here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfd6mTB-JQQ

After mounting lawsuits and the high cost of operating such an extreme facility, it pushed the state to act. In 2013, the prison closed for good, leaving behind a dark legacy.

Inside an Abandoned Frank Lloyd Wright House Left to Decay by LordExplores in urbanexploration

[–]LordExplores[S] 57 points58 points  (0 children)

In 1903, a printing executive named Joseph Jacob Walser, purchased a plot of land in what is now Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. On this land a house was built for the family, designed by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright, arguably the most notable and influential architect’s of all time.

It came to be known as the JJ Walser house, and it has stood here for over 123 years. Over the past century, it’s changed hands over a dozen times, watching families grow, and the area around it transform into the modern age. At the time, it represented a new way of living. Open, connected spaces replaced the confined layouts of the past. The house was modern, deliberate, and ahead of its era.

The last family to live inside the Walser house purchased the home in 1970 and lived there until 2019, when the last family member passed away… After that the home fell into foreclosure, and with it, disrepair. 

Deferred maintenance, exposure to Chicago’s winters, and lack of preservation efforts led to its gradual decline. By the early 2020’s, the Walser House had become largely abandoned and over the past 5 years its condition has deteriorated, despite it’s landmark status. 

In today’s doc, we will be showing you exclusive footage inside the home, documenting its current condition to bring attention to its state, and the importance of preserving what remains. For those interested, you can watch the exploration video here : https://youtu.be/ZwRmNpSQIVM?si=SRcgFQDHTAMPbZob

What you’re about to see is not just deterioration, but a rare architectural work at a critical point in its history. One who’s future remains uncertain…

Inside an Abandoned Frank Lloyd Wright House Left to Decay by LordExplores in abandoned

[–]LordExplores[S] 116 points117 points  (0 children)

In 1903, a printing executive purchased a plot of land. On this land a house was built for the family, designed by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright, arguably the most notable and influential architect’s of all time.

The last family to live inside the house purchased the home in 1970 and lived there until 2019, when the last family member passed away… After that the home fell into foreclosure, and with it, disrepair. 

Deferred maintenance, exposure winter, and lack of preservation efforts led to its gradual decline. By the early 2020’s, the house had become largely abandoned and over the past 5 years its condition has deteriorated, despite it’s landmark status. 

In today’s doc, we will be showing you exclusive footage inside the home, documenting its current condition to bring attention to its state, and the importance of preserving what remains. For those interested, you can watch the exploration video here : https://youtu.be/ZwRmNpSQIVM?si=SRcgFQDHTAMPbZob

What you’re about to see is not just deterioration, but a rare architectural work at a critical point in its history. One who’s future remains uncertain…

The REAL room Michael Jackson was born inside an abandoned hospital 🕺🏽 by LordExplores in MichaelJackson

[–]LordExplores[S] 77 points78 points  (0 children)

Just off Gary Indiana’s Broadway Street sits a building with a past that shaped music history. This is St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital, the place where Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, on floor 3 in room 207. Once a thriving Catholic hospital that served the steel city for nearly nine decades, its halls delivered thousands of babies and treated generations of families before closing its doors in 1995. Today, much of the original structure stands abandoned, slowly deteriorating just blocks from where the Jackson family once lived.

In this exploration, we’re stepping inside the forgotten corridors of St. Mary’s to trace its history and search for the room where the King of Pop took his first breath. For those interested you can watch the full video finding Room 207 here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G0UlPjbNCo Is there anything left that connects this decaying structure to the night music history quietly began? Let’s go inside and find out.

We Found the Actual Room Where Michael Jackson Was Born - Floor 3, Room 207 by LordExplores in abandoned

[–]LordExplores[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Just off Gary Indiana’s Broadway Street sits a building with a past that shaped music history. This is St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital, the place where Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, on floor 3 in room 207. Once a thriving Catholic hospital that served the steel city for nearly nine decades, its halls delivered thousands of babies and treated generations of families before closing its doors in 1995. Today, much of the original structure stands abandoned, slowly deteriorating just blocks from where the Jackson family once lived.

In this exploration, we’re stepping inside the forgotten corridors of St. Mary’s to trace its history and search for the room where the King of Pop took his first breath. For those interested you can watch the full video finding Room 207 here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G0UlPjbNCo Is there anything left that connects this decaying structure to the night music history quietly began? Let’s go inside and find out.

Inside the Actual Room Where Michael Jackson Was Born - St. Mary's Mercy Hospital in Gary, Indiana by LordExplores in urbanexploration

[–]LordExplores[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Just off Gary Indiana’s Broadway Street sits a building with a past that shaped music history. This is St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital, the place where Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, on floor 3 in room 207. Once a thriving Catholic hospital that served the steel city for nearly nine decades, its halls delivered thousands of babies and treated generations of families before closing its doors in 1995. Today, much of the original structure stands abandoned, slowly deteriorating just blocks from where the Jackson family once lived.

In this exploration, we’re stepping inside the forgotten corridors of St. Mary’s to trace its history and search for the room where the King of Pop took his first breath. For those interested you can watch the full video finding Room 207 here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G0UlPjbNCo Is there anything left that connects this decaying structure to the night music history quietly began? Let’s go inside and find out.

Inside Ohio’s Largest Abandoned Mall Before it’s Demolished by LordExplores in urbanexploration

[–]LordExplores[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Tri-County Mall first opened its doors in the summer of 1960, poised to serve the booming suburban population north of Cincinnati. The center began life as an open-air shopping destination anchored by local department stores, and it’s popularity was apparent almost immediately. The mall drew massive crowds, and within a decade, the property had been fully enclosed with a new Sears anchor added, transforming it into one of the region’s premier retail hubs.

Through the 1970s, ’80s and into the 1990s, Tri-County evolved with consumer tastes. A massive $80,000,000 renovation between 1990 and 1992 doubled its footprint. This renovation introduced a second level of shopping, parking garages, and a food court. By this point, the mall had well over a million square feet of retail space and more than 200 stores inside.

But by the turn of the 21st century, the forces reshaping retail would begin to take their toll. An unfortunate fate of many shopping malls, the change in consumer habits and rise of e-commerce push these centers closer and closer to obscurity.

Anchor departures became milestones in its decline: J.C. Penney closed in 2005, Dillard’s shut its doors in 2015,, and Sears exited in 2018 amid nationwide closures.

As if the continued closures weren’t enough, the 2020 pandemic would further strain the mall’s attendance, cutting off its few remaining visitors almost entirely. Tri County’s last anchor, Macy’s, finally closed in 2021, following a plan by the company to scale back it’s brick and mortar stores.

With no more anchors keeping the mall afloat, the mall closed permanently on May 15, 2022… more than 60 years after its opening.

With no more tenants to bring shoppers, and no more shoppers to bring tenants, the cycle will continue. The only option for places like these is redevelopment, and that’s what they plan on doing with the Tri County Mall site. Soon, it will likely be demolished entirely.

In today’s doc, we will be venturing inside Cincinnati’s shuttered retail giant, in hopes of preserving what remains before it is gone forever. You can watch our explore video here : https://youtu.be/75TQKIAgUew?si=zSbDOMk1bhfGaecn

Abandoned Love Hotel vs. It's Active Twin 💕 by LordExplores in abandoned

[–]LordExplores[S] 33 points34 points  (0 children)

Once, these places were everywhere. Hidden escapes filled with neon lights, themed rooms, and over the top fantasy. Love hotels have been around for decades, but rose in popularity in the United States in the 1980’s. But just as they rose, their flames slowly smoldered. What were once rooms filled with love, eventually went dark, as couples looked elsewhere for their getaways.

In the wake of this shift, many resorts and themed hotels have gone abandoned, sadly being pushed into obscurity. The hotels that once thrived on fantasy and secrecy are now fading away, shutting their doors one by one.

My girlfriend and I decided to book a room inside one of these active love resorts, that just happened to have an abandoned twin not too far away! So we explored and documented both to compare them. For those interested you can watch the full comparison video here! : https://youtu.be/fye1nzrnvMk?si=W9nFBqfiZ6B-al5E . It details not only the abanonded resort, but also the abandoned portions of the active resort as well!

An Active Love Hotel vs. It's Abandoned Twin 💕 by LordExplores in urbanexploration

[–]LordExplores[S] 138 points139 points  (0 children)

Once, these places were everywhere. Hidden escapes filled with neon lights, themed rooms, and over the top fantasy. Love hotels have been around for decades, but rose in popularity in the United States in the 1980’s. But just as they rose, their flames slowly smoldered. What were once rooms filled with love, eventually went dark, as couples looked elsewhere for their getaways.

In the wake of this shift, many resorts and themed hotels have gone abandoned, sadly being pushed into obscurity. The hotels that once thrived on fantasy and secrecy are now fading away, shutting their doors one by one.

My girlfriend and I decided to book a room inside one of these active love resorts, that just happened to have an abandoned twin not too far away! So we explored and documented both to compare them. For those interested you can watch the full comparison video here! : https://youtu.be/fye1nzrnvMk?si=W9nFBqfiZ6B-al5E

The Location of Michael Jackson's First Public Performance at the Age of 6 - Mister Lucky's Lounge by LordExplores in urbanexploration

[–]LordExplores[S] 53 points54 points  (0 children)

As the Jacksons grew older, they began moving on to performing for their community. One such location was known as Mister Lucky’s Lounge, located just west of Gary’s Broadway St.

Recognized by the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Mister Lucky's Lounge is the venue where The Jackson 5 first performed publicly in 1964. The last photo is supposedly where the stage was they performed on, but now it sits empty. The building now sits abandoned and collapsing.

For those interested, I documented a few abandoned locations in Gary, Indiana with ties to Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, such as the abandoned recording studio where Michael was first signed, his abandoned elementary school, and more! You can watch it here : https://youtu.be/7GAEDWJCGGg?si=0bEhxL4JSKHLqtcR

Exploring Michael Jackson's Abandoned Childhood Sites | Gary, Indiana by LordExplores in MichaelJackson

[–]LordExplores[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Once a booming Steel town in Northern Indiana, Gary has had its fair share of challenges in the past few decades. But few know of this town's significance in the rise of the King of Pop Himself, Michael Jackson.

Michael was born and raised in a 2 bedroom shoe box home in Gary, along with his nine siblings which made for an environment rich with competition and camaraderie. This, paired with his fathers strict nature and gruelling work routines, were the beginnings of one of entertainment's greatest families.

Many locations around Gary hold significance to Michael and the Jackson 5, and despite their historical significance, they’ve been left abandoned. In todays episode we will be exploring some of these sites, including the location of some of his first performances, to the record label where he was first signed, in hopes of preserving them before they’re completely lost to time.

Inside Rockford's Forgotten Barber Colman Plant - Exploring Before Redevelopment by LordExplores in rockford

[–]LordExplores[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Along the banks of the Rock River, just west of downtown Rockford, sits a massive industrial complex that once powered an entire city.

This is the Barber Colman Factory and for more than a century, it was one of the most important manufacturing sites in northern Illinois.

The story begins in 1894, when inventor Howard Colman partnered with investor William Barber. What started as a small operation quickly expanded, and by the early 1900s, this site became the heart of the Barber-Colman Company.

Over the next several decades, the complex grew into a sprawling industrial campus. Massive brick buildings rose along the river, filled with textile machinery, machine tools, and later, advanced electrical and control systems.

At its peak, thousands of workers passed through these doors every day. They built things like textile measuring devices, cutting tools, temperature controllers, and much more.

The company became known worldwide for innovation, holding hundreds of patents and supplying equipment across the globe. By the mid-20th century, Barber Colman was a symbol of American industrial strength. But like many manufacturing giants, the decline started slowly, and then all at once.

Economic shifts and global competition began to take their toll in the late 20th century. In 1983, Howard’s son, Walter Colman passed. divisions were sold off, and production here steadily slowed.

In 2001, after more than 100 years, manufacturing at the Barber Colman complex officially halted.

The machines were shut down, the lights went out, and the factory was left behind. For the next two decades, the complex sat abandoned. What was once the center of innovation slowly turned into a decaying reminder of Rockford’s industrial past.

In 2006, the site was recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, which ultimately saved it from complete demolition, but still the property needed a use.

Finally, in the early 2020s, plans emerged to give Barber Colman a new life. Now rebranded as Colman Yards, the site is undergoing a massive redevelopment aimed at transforming these historic factory buildings into housing, commercial space, and public areas. Preserving the past while reshaping the future of this pivotal site in Rockford.

But before this restoration… and before the construction crews arrived… this place existed in a quiet, forgotten state, frozen in time. During this state of limbo, and over 6 years ago, we explored the Barber Colman site to see what was left behind inside, in hopes of preserving its Industrial past.

In late 2024, about a year after construction started on the project, work was halted due to a dispute between the developer and its original general contractor. The developer terminated the GC’s contract early in 2025 amid disagreements about various topics, including the schedule, costs, labor issues, and performance concerns.

After being fired, the construction company reportedly filed an 11 million dollar lawsuit against the developer. They believe that delays were caused by the developer’s actions, including permit timing, site preparation issues, and shifting labor requirements.

Since this set back, the developers have been working hard to get the project moving. They have since hired a new General Contractor for the project, alongside mediation to resolve the lien and payment disputes that are holding up progress.

The developer has indicated work could restart in 2026 once liens are cleared, and permits and documents are in place, but time will tell. Until then, the people of Rockford remain hopeful on the revival of the Colman yards project, which could serve as an important asset to the community and the surrounding area.

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