Another installment in our series on abandoned places in the world.
1. PG&E’s Kern Power Plant, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, United States
The Kern Power Plant once made magic in the form of electricity. Located on a 120-acre site, the power plant was in operation from 1948 to 1985 and generated electricity for over 240,000 homes in Central and Northern California. Permanently closed in 1995 due to prohibitive upgrade costs, the site is in the process of being demolished with an expected completion date of Spring 2013.
2. Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan, India
Recently recommended for World Heritage status, the Chittorgarh Fort was abandoned in 1568 following the 1567 siege by Emperor Akbar. Considered the largest fort in India, the site, which once boasted 84 water bodies, was initially constructed by the Mauryans in the 7th century. Chittorgarh now serves as a popular tourist destination.
3. City Methodist Church, Gary, Indiana, United States
A once thriving steel industry town, Gary, Indiana, has been in an economic decline for decades. With money donated by U.S. Steel and parishioners, the City Methodist Church was built in the 1920s and housed a school, auditorium and gymnasium. Once boasting a congregation of 3,000, the church fell into disrepair when the city experienced a 90% job cut. Many thanks to DaisyWalker for this suggestion.
4. Bat Galim Central Bus Station, Haifa, Israel
Oh, Haifa, how I miss your limonanas and beach tennis. Yet, unsurprisingly, not your buses (public transportation exceptions being sheruts). Built in a Brutalist architectural style, the Bat Galim Central Bus Station served all intercity bus routes for thirty years. In 2003, Hof HaCarmel replaced Bat Galim as the main bus station, whereupon all of its outdoor platforms were closed.
5. Mt. Asama Volcano Museum, Japan
Opened in 1967, the Mt. Asama Volcano Museum provided information on Honshu’s most active volcano. The original museum was closed in 1993 as it was replaced by a new structure. To view additional interior photos, click here.
Brief note: When I first began writing this column, my intention was to showcase a year’s worth of abandoned sites. And while I occasionally wish I had titled the series “Two Abandoned Places,” today’s column marks 7 months worth of featured sites. As 5 months remain (110 sites to go), suggestions are always welcomed and appreciated.
If you have suggested sites in the past, many thanks and if they haven’t already been featured, expect to see them in the remaining months. Feel free to suggest locations in the comment section or via email: laziguezon [@] gmail [.] com
Lastly, to accommodate my Fall schedule, Five Abandoned Places will be moved to Mondays starting next week. For previous entries, please click here.
