I drove to Manitowoc, Wisconsin today (about 30 minutes from where I’ve been staying) to run an errand. Afterwards, I decided to wander as it seemed a shame to waste the trip and not have a look around before I headed home.
I have a thing for run-down buildings… especially large run-down buildings. I spotted this warehouse and pulled over to have a look. What I saw captured my curiosity.
This warehouse is huge, spanning an entire block. Apparently it has been condemned since September of 2009 (although I saw another sign that had an earlier date). However, the state of disrepair made me wonder what had happened here. Broken windows, bent metal, large sections of peeling ceiling. The building appears to me like it has been vacant for years, even decades. I was especially surprised by big gashes and crumbling brick along the exterior.
It looked like a backdrop for a post-apocalyptic movie. Seriously.
As I walked around another side, I noticed more broken windows with gaps large enough for me to lean into. I told myself “Do it! It’ll make for a great picture!” but I was totally freaked out. I kept expecting to stumble upon a wild animal or a crazy-eyed lunatic lunging for me.
I am so totally creeped out right now. <shudder>
I want to do some research and find out a little history behind this intriguing building. I’ll be sure to post anything interesting that I dig up.
13 comments:
Excellent! Might be worth a trip.
I found someone else that is fascinated by this building and actually provided some background information: http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrew-turnbull/sets/72157622543257928/
Interesting!
"The factory was built in stages between 1904 and 1927, and spanned an entire block in downtown Manitowoc. At one time, this was but one of several Mirro plants in the city and country as a whole; producing products ranging from cookware and electric kitchen appliances to aluminum boats. After acquisition by Newell in 1983, the firm's local operations began to be downsized; culminating in the closure of the local administrative offices and last Manitowoc factory in 2003...a move that was met with great consternation in the city.
After switching hands a few times, the old factory was eventually purchased by a St. Louis developer in a "buy it for a dollar" type deal. While others mull demolition as though it were a certainty, you can read about his variously-ambitious plans here." (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrew-turnbull/4722884655/in/set-72157622543257928/)
Here is some more information from the developer who currently owns the building: http://www.ejspirtasgroup.com/id76.html
Here are some photos of activities that could have gone on at this warehouse: http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/whi/results.asp?search_type=basic&keyword1=aluminum
There is also a photo of the man who owned the company.
Mirro is awsome. One of the biggest abandoned buildings in Manitowoc. I have tons of pictures of it on my Facebook ( I will attatch a public link to view them ) The owner is letting me in next time he is in town...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=65896&id=1349177045&l=bd7bd32275
-BrentWillecke
@TheDopeShow: This building has sparked my interest to find other abandoned buildings. It is very cool! (but kind of scary at the same time.)
I would love to photograph the inside... but I definitely wouldn't go alone. I was creeped out enough being alone on the OUTside! :)
Have fun! I'd love to see your inside pics when you are able to go in.
Inside is awsome. A few years back they still had all the machinery left behind, but the current owner sold the salvageable stuff and put all the non - salvageable crap on the bottom floor as a fire percation. Heres some pictures of when the place was in relativly good shape.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrbula/sets/1678125/
@TheDopeShow: Thanks for sharing the link to more pics on flickr. It's amazing to see how much worse the building looks now in such a short amount of time. I guess a large part of it is all those broken windows.
Anyway, I totally think that Hollywood should swoop in and use it for a movie set (something like I Am Legend). Then they could pay to restore it (since they can afford it!). :)
HI!! This is Dawn from Timeless Treasures Vintage Clothing Boutique in Manitowoc! YES, this old Mirro building is awesome! I had visions of having it fixed up for condos on one or 2 floors and retail shops on the others! Like Funky Coffee shops,etc....... That would cost a MINT! My mom worked here for a short time back in the 1930s. In fact I have a booklet Mirro used to put out on the company and she was on the COVER!!!!
Dawn: Very neat! I think apartments or condos would be really neat in this building, although yeah... expensive! re: booklet > how cool!
I live near Manitowoc and I know this building. I agree that it's fascinating! I think it's for sale for only a dollar. The catch is the millions of dollars you have to pay in taxes once you own it. It's full of asbestos.
It was more than just a warehouse, and that is the problem. The manufacturing of aluminum cookware used a lot of harsh chemicals, and that building is soaked with them. Because of all the chemicals still present, there is no way that building could be used for shops or residential living. Even if there was a way to do it when Newell shut the doors back in 2003, it has sat for 10 years and no one has done anything to keep it dry. It's a big mess full of mold and chemicals now, no one would be able to live in there or use the building for any purpose now.
Found your blog while looking for history on the old Mirro building. I have lived here my whole life, 44 yrs. Its weird to see how things change. My mom and my kids mom both worked for the company at one time. Today is a monumental day. The walls are coming down. As I type this there is a huge gapping hole in the east side of the 3 story structure. Our old landmark turned eyesore is about to be no more.
Thanks for sharing in detail. Your blog is an inspiration! Apart of really useful tips, it's just really !
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