A Documentation of Suburban Ruins http://www.vacantnewjersey.com The original main hotel building was constructed sometime during the early 1920's during which point it operated as a casino and vacation resort. As the 1900's pushed forward and the idea of vacation resorts began to take off in popularity, the resort expanded to include various building and attractions. Rather than build on to the existing main structure, various smaller buildings were constructed throughout the property and connected back to the main building by enclosed breezeways. Such a construction method stood as essentially a fire proofing tactic, so as if one building were to burst aflame the entire resort wouldn't burn to the ground. At peak, the resort included an 18 hole golf course, indoor / outdoor pools, nightclub, and theater with seating for 1,100 people. Over the years the resort changed ownership and names up until its closure sometime during the mid 2000's. Like the majority of the failed Catskill region resorts the property remains vacant and available for purchase at a mere 9,000,000 dollars. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/liberty_lake_resort/index.html While roaming about the extensive hospital basement one afternoon, I discovered a large storage room off to a corner which I had never noticed before. The space turned out to be packed with boxes full of old and outdated medical equipment. After poking around inside the room for sometime and tinkering with the various equipment, I spotted on the floor a tattered Kodachrome slide. I held my flashlight under the film but it was far too decayed to make out the image. I decided to investigate further and upon moving some cardboard boxes around I found dozens of more slides, surviving in far superior condition. Posted below is a selection of the results from my adventure that afternoon... http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/blog/entry/essex_county_hospital_center_35mm_slides_part2/index.html The Hartz Mountain brand traces back to Max and Gustav Stern, two German immigrant brothers who migrated to the United States in 1926. The two men arrived in the U.S. with five thousand domesticated canaries. With such a large quantity of birds the Stern brothers began to manufacture bird food under the name of Hartz Mountain. During the 1930's the brand expanded to include various other pet products including fish and hamster food, which was shipped throughout the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom. The Hartz Mountain Corporation continued to be run under the Stern family for 75 years up until 2000 when the company was sold to J.W. Childs. Today the brand still exists but is known as Hartz Mountain Industries and along with the manufacturing of pet food the company also stands as a prominent real estate business. HMI owns various plots of land from Bayonne to Manhattan. The original Hartz Mountain Warehouse once used to store pet food products remains as a massive vacant shell ripe for tagging and exploring. In recent months demolition has begun on the warehouse in preparation for new development. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/hartz_mountain_corporation/index.html The Union Hotel was originally constructed in 1814 at which time it served as a gathering and lodging area for stagecoach passengers and tourists passing through the area. During the 1935 trial of Bruno Hauptmann, a convict sentenced to death for the abduction and murder of the 20 month old son of Charles and Anne Lindbergh, many media members boarded at the hotel. In later years the main floor of the hotel was converted into a restaurant and bar, however the upper floors which contained the guest rooms were left untouched and empty. The restaurant closed in 2008 due to loss of money and the entire building sat vacant for a number of years afterwards. More recently the hotel has been purchased by a new owner and plans are to restore the structure and reopen the restaurant. There are a number of ghosts legends and sightings associated with the Union Hotel, however I'm not one to subscribe to such malarkey, but maybe you are? http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/union_hotel/index.html The Borscht Belt region of upstate New York State remains as an oasis of shuttered hotels, boarded bungalow colonies, and stagnant summer camps; surviving from a 1960's era, long past its prime. Sprawling resort campuses rot amongst the backdrop of the Catskill Mountain range. Gone are the guests and lodgers who once flocked to the open county side eager to retreat from the busy city life, replaced now by vandals and explorers eager to venture into the defunct vacation metropolis... http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/blog/entry/sylvan_grove/index.html Industrial sites are among my favorite type of location to explore. They stand like a giant rusty playground, begging to be climbed; the Baekeland Chemical Plant was certainly no exception. Opening in the early 1950's, the Baekeland Chemical Plant originally produced a various array of industrial chemicals to be used in the pharmaceutical business. It was later discovered that millions of gallons of waste water produced by the plant were being dumped into numerous water tributaries located around the factory property. After being sold off and changing owners over the years, the plant now remains shuttered. The massive refining towers and voluminous chemical drums rust away, slowly leaking a concoction of volatile organic compounds into the surrounding forrest. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/baekeland_chemical_plant/index.html The following two images were produced from scanning a brochure which I found while out photographing the defunct Camp Sussex. Often while exploring I lose touch with the fact that the buildings I selfishly roam about once served a greater purpose beyond standing as merely just a deserted playground for which to wander through. Reading the text and looking at the images printed in the brochure provides an interesting glimpse into what camp life was once like... http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/blog/entry/camp_sussex_brochure/index.html A small update to the Long Pond Ironworks page. I went back about a year ago to check out the interior of some of the abandoned houses on the property. Most of the structures I was able to get inside of were empty and relatively boring. However a house across the street turned out to be interesting due the the complete collapse of the rear support wall, which made for a few neat pictures. The Long Pond Ironworks is a historical mining town and is open to the public for tours or to just walk around the numerous hiking trails. You can find out more information about the ironworks at their website. I'll have a new location posted up for the month of November! http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/long_pond_iw/long_pond_iw.html The emergency response efforts following the devastating flooding left behind by Hurricane Irene seemed to be quite chaotic in organization. While there was certainly no shortage of police presence, and emergency crews appeared to be helping those in serious need, I believe the sheer scale of the flooding caught many people off guard and as a result many evacuation orders occurred to late... http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/blog/entry/hurricane_irene_part3/index.html The days following Hurricane Irene, major to historic flooding drowned low lying towns across Northern New Jersey, causing wide spread devastation. Downed trees crippled power lines, leaving many in the dark for days on end... http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/blog/entry/hurricane_irene_part2/index.html Opened in 1923, Camp Sussex served to offer children of limited financial means an opportunity to escape city life during the summer, in order to attend a recreational and educational summer camp located within the country side of Northern New Jersey. Through exploration of the environment, inner-city children would be taught social skills, self reliance, and tolerance. The camp offered various facilities such as a professionally run kitchen, infirmary, laundry building, and recreation building. The camp property also included a lake, and various sleeping cabins. Children would be encouraged to participate in activities such as sports, crafts, and fishing. Camp Sussex closed sometime in the mid-2000's. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/camp_sussex/index.html Hurricane Irene brought torrential rains and gusty winds to Northern New Jersey. While the wind caused tree damage resulting in wide spread power outages, the most damaging effects resulted from the flooding rains. All water tributaries experienced major flooding due to eight inches or greater rain fall amounts occurring in just over a twelve hour period... http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/blog/entry/hurricane_irene_part1/index.html Growing up in a small suburban New Jersey town, graffiti was and still is looked upon as a taboo form of expression. Every now and then some kid would spray paint a seemingly meaningless tag on a billboard or building side, only for the illicit mark to be quickly removed or painted over... http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/blog/entry/graffiti_eyes/index.html Founded in 1874, this cottage plan style hospital originally offered treatment to adults who suffered from complex mental illnesses. Through inter-disciplinary treatment, patients were given the tools and information needed to strengthen and eventually manage their own illnesses. Today much of the hospital campus still remains active with various vacant buildings scattered around the property. Only a single fence enclosed wing remains from the original main hospital building. It stands oddly misplaced in the middle of the active campus, severely decayed and overgrown with vines; a perfect place to play. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/ethrane_asylum/index.html A couple of months back I received an e-mail from a high school student who was interested in asking me some questions for an article which would later be included in the local school newspaper. Generally I don't care much to complete interviews, but the particular questions asked caught my interest, so I decided to go ahead and provide my responses... http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/blog/entry/questions_and_answers/index.html Englishman Farms originally served as a produce farm where customers could come to hand pick their own fruits and vegetables. The property later expanded to include a "pick your own pumpkin patch" as well as various market stands for purchasing fresh produce and later even a domestic petting zoo was set up. During the Autumn season Englishman Farms ran a hayride attraction and throughout the winter months a "cut your own Christmas Tree" and Christmas Shop was organized. Today the farm buildings sit vacant and the once trimmed produce fields remain a mangled mess of dense grasses and weeds. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/englishman_farms/index.html Along Gingerbread Castle Road in Hamburg New Jersey, a curious castle rots. Its sun faded, frosted sugar roof, is dwarfed by an ominous silhouette of the shuttered Wheatsworth Mill, towering just above in the background. Giant size gum balls and cupcakes adorn the exterior of the castle and intricate geometric patterns designed to replicate icing and cookie cut-outs ornament the faux gingerbread facade. Inside a stairwell spirals up from the dark dungeon themed basement leading up to a rainbow painted, candy cane enchanted turret... http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/blog/entry/gingerbread_castle/index.html The Monticello Manor originally served as a hospital up until the early 1960's, at which time it was converted into an adult home. The most interesting aspect about the manor lies within the foul details that led to the building's abrupt evacuation and closure. In May of 2008, the New York Department of Health ordered the closure of the Monticello Manor. Due to a leaky roof, severe structural damaged greatly compromised the building's integrity. Further inspection by the health department revealed a mold and bed bug infestation as well as collapsed ceilings in a number of the rooms. It was discovered that upwards of fourty beds contained bed bugs and bed bug eggs. The health department took immediate action and suspended the manor's operating license, ordering immediate evacuation of all occupants within twenty-four hours. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/monticello_manor/index.html Located off of Route 23 in northern Morris County within an unincorporated area of West Milford, remains the old Newfoundland Train Station. The wooden station built in 1872 currently sits vacant, accompanied by three railcars dating from the early to mid 1900's. In recent years the property has been most noted for serving as the set for the 2003 independent film entitled, The Station Agent. However an earlier history reveals connections with the Morris County Central Railroad, which served as an excursion steam train ride, that ran up until the early 1970's... http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/blog/entry/newfoundland_train_station/index.html The history of the Salesian School property dates back to the mid to late 1800's when a mansion was built on the property. In 1925 the mansion was purchased by the Salesian Fathers for a grand sum of $61,000. The mansion was converted into a Catholic School and used as so until 1931, when a larger school building which became known as the Salesian School was built on the property. Due to declining enrollment the school eventually closed its doors in 1985 and was used for a few subsequent years as a youth camp. In 1991 the building was officially abandoned and has been sitting vacant since. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/salesian_school/index.html Back before I knew "Urban Exploration" was a thing and the locations I explored were limited by how far I was willing to peddle my bicycle, I used to carry just a flashlight and my trusty point n' shoot digital camera. At this period in time I had little interest in photography and mostly documented my explorations in the form of video. I remember just recording as I walked around various stinky old abandoned buildings. The footage I produced was shaky, boring, dark, and just plain awful... http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/blog/entry/overbrook_a_video/index.html The Essex County Jail Complex also referred to as the Newark Street Jail was constructed in 1837 at a cost of $30,000. Throughout the 1890's the jail went through numerous expansions and additions reaching a final capacity of over 300 cells. The prison housed various criminals from Essex County New Jersey up until 1970 at which date a new prison was built. For a short period of years through out the 1970's the Newark Street Jail was occupied by the Essex County Narcotics Bureau. Around 1989 the Newark Narcotics Bureau vacated the jail; the buildings have been sitting vacant since. The jail now serves as an abandoned sanctuary for the city of Newark's homeless population. Drug paraphernalia as well as once confidential records left behind by the narcotics bureau litter the cells. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/newark_street_jail/index.html It is nearly a guarantee that at least one television set will be left behind in an abandoned building. During my adventures into the ruins I have come across dozens of televisions all of varying age, model, and make. To think that it wasn't until the late 1940's that the first television sets began to appear in American households and now in present day televisions are left behind as if they are expendable furnishings. With such rapid technological advances especially within the last decade, any electronic device older than five years seems to become void and useless; televisions certainly being no exception... http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/blog/entry/television_rules_the_nation/index.html Constructed in 1918 the High View Homeless Shelter originally served as a women's correctional facility. However in 1934 the buildings were converted into a homeless shelter to house New York City's rising homeless population. The displaced peoples were shipped up to the country to work on farms, in return providing food to sustain the people living at the shelter. The camp was designed with the purpose of providing temporary relief to the unemployed. As the population at the homeless shelter increased many of the inhabitants would escape at night and make way into the near by town where they would break into houses and cars. This resulted in outrage from the town citizens and after many complaints the shelter was closed. Being that the buildings were used to house the homeless, not much was left inside and the interior proved to be quite monotonous. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/high_view_homeless_shelter/index.html A friend of mine found this aerial print of the Essex Mountain Sanatorium in the back of a long range plan pamphlet for the Essex County Hospital Center. I have always had a fascination with the Essex Mountain Sanatorium complex. As a child I remember spending hours perusing through the wealth of information and pictures of the old sanatorium buildings posted at mountainsanatorium.net, only to feel a pit in my stomach when I read about the demolition of the complex... http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/blog/entry/essex_mountain_sanatorium_aerial_photograph/index.html Constructed in 1933 within the Borscht Belt region of New York, the Pines Hotel became a prominent destination for Jewish city dwellers to escape the hustle and bustle of the urban life style. Over the years the hotel expanded to included various buildings all connected via picturesque breezeways providing views of the Catskill Mountain Range. During the peak of The Pines Hotel's reign it featured an ice skating rink, theater, dining room, dance club, golf course, ski slope, various sporting fields as well as an indoor and outdoor pool. The doors to The Pines Hotel closed for business in 1998. However the guests continued to show as The Pines took on a new life as a popular exploration destination. Due to its secluded location and unique features it is traversed by people of all different intentions. Today The Pines stands in shambles, its prominence attracting a new breed of guests. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/the_pines_hotel/index.html The following photographs were produced from scans of 35mm slides found within the Essex County Hospital Center. Unfortunately the majority of the slides were filthy and any attempt to remove the debris just led to destruction of the fragile film. As a result I decided to scan the slides as found, without any post processing or touch up. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/blog/entry/essex_county_hospital_center_35mm_slides/index.html With the advent of year 2011 I thought it might be interesting to add something new to the flow of this website. Rather than code a redesign or otherwise change the look of the site, I decided to proceed forward with the idea of creating a weblog. I plan to use the blog area of this website to share thoughts, pictures, artifacts, and other exploration related material which I find interesting. The current once a month update regiment that I have set in place will continue, however I also plan to post a blog update online at least monthly. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/blog/entry/blog_introduction/index.html Only feet from the active hospital sits this relic of a past infectious disease. Originally constructed as a sanatorium, this structures purpose was to house and treat tuberculosis patients. Designed to expose patients to fresh air, high altitude, and proper nutrition, the sanatorium was build perched atop a hill surrounded by forrest and situated far from the chaos of everyday societal life. With the advent of medications to treat and cure tuberculosis the building lost its purpose and was subsequently closed, used only for storage in the years following. Today the building sits abandoned on the outskirts of an active hospital campus. Shrouded by thick vegetation and woods, the building has remained untouched, suffering only from the natural decay of nature, visited only by the curious. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/thorndorn_sanatorium/index.html The Glenwood Power Station was constructed between 1901 through 1906. Construction for the new plant was funded by the New York Central Railroad, for an initial cost of $2 million. The plant went online in 1906 and was used to power rail lines from Yonkers to Albany New York. The plant ran off coal fired steam turbines all the way into the 1950s. With the advent of newer technology and construction of larger more economical power stations, Glenwood was shut down sometime in the mid 1960s. The turbines and various other machinery were removed and the plant has been sitting vacant ever since. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/glenwood_power_station/index.html With threats of demolition rekindled, this hospital's days may once again be numbered. A stalled demolition attempt that began in 2008 has resulted in a stagnate lawsuit that the county is just now trying to work out. If all is resolved, this hospital complex will be just a memory. I have hundreds of pictures from inside Essex, and perhaps one day I'll better organize them, but until then I present you will some new photos. October tends to be a chaotic month for me, so I didn't have time to code a new location and story for November, but come December I should be back on track with an all new location. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/echc/main.html#new Originally serving as a small fitness center, a large warehouse was later added onto the back of the building sporting an indoor pool, track, roller skating rink, playground, and rock wall. The main building included four gymnasiums, various exercising rooms and ball courts. For reasons unknown the business was shut down and the building abandoned. The interior was vandalized throughly, but fun to poke around in except for the toxic mold infested basement. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/fun_zone/index.html This laboratory and warehouse once served as the department of protein engineering for one of the worlds largest pharmaceutical companies. When jobs were subsidized and outsourced the building closed its doors. Many of the laboratories were stripped clean of any scientific equipment, however the basement area contained quite a few large machines. Construction trucks were parked outside, so I made sure to see everything I could, not knowing for sure if I'd be back. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/bioinformatics_protein_laboratory/index.html The freezing temperature combined with the brutal winds proved to be difficult weather to shoot in. But despite the less than desirable climate we made our way through the small resort, stopping to see and photograph as much as we could before the weather forced us to turn back. Upon our exploration, the main commons area appeared to be in the process of restoration, however many of the cottages and guest rooms toward the back of the property were severely decayed and on the verge of collapse. The indoor pool room was quite unique, featuring a large geometric raised ceiling overlooking the chair filled pool. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/mountain_view_lodge/index.html These vine entangled trains have been rotting into the ground for years. Many passenger cars sit abandoned on either side of an active rail line. Although empty and stripped clean, the decay was very interesting; ivy growing in through broken windows, paint peeling and cracking in intricate patterns, and warped wooden boards rotting into the snow below. Most of the trains appear to be LIRR passenger cars and there is a red wooden caboose at the end of the line. I've heard reports that the trains belong to the United Railroad Historical Society of NJ (URHS), if so just another example of rotting history. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/boonton_line/index.html This middle school closed in 1987, and has been almost entirely boarded up since. The art deco design, red brick, and many curves add to its unique character. Unfortunately just about everything inside has been abated, and today the school sits as an empty shell, littered with graffiti awaiting a new life. However there were a few interesting sites to be seen inside, including the auditorium, gymnasium, and cafeteria. Redevelopment plans have been thrown around numerous times, but nothing has been set in stone, and quite frankly probably never will. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/south_middle_school/index.html A number of new photographs taken from various trips to a fairly modern but very interesting psychiatric facility. Parts of the campus are still active, however many abandoned buildings remain, connected by a labyrinth of tunnels. Many buildings were empty and monotonous, however there were quite a few hidden gems, such as human brain samples, a spacious recreation building complete with theater and bowling alley, as well as boxes full of patient records. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/mural_psychiatric_center/index.html#new While driving down a backroad, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a faded green house just rotting away. A few days later I returned prepared to explore and photograph the crumbling abode. Inside was a beautiful disaster, gaping holes ripped through the floors and ancient architecture rotted freely in complete darkness. The house was marked with the number 1754 on the front, and although I am not sure of the houses age or history, it may very well date back at least one hundred years. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/1754_house/index.html Still knocking out my photos from 2009. This month I leave you with some new photographs of the Isolation Hospital. During my first visit I never got around to capturing any exterior photos of the hospital, so that was my main goal during this trip. Compared to the boring interior, the outside of this structure is quite impressive, from the intricate brick work to the proportional wings; it was quite appeasing to the eye. I only wish the beauty followed suit inside. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/isolation_hospital/index.html#new I first spotted this industrial ruin during a prior trip to a nearby abandoned mill. Having found myself in the general area again, I decided to make a quick stop by. Although not incredibly impressive, I enjoyed the time I spent here. The tall smokestack was the main focal point, however the cement shell buildings were quite fun to climb around; at the very least a nice break and change of scenery from the modern abandonments I have been poking around. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/lime_kilns/index.html And that's it, year 2009 is over! It was most definitely a fun time being as I got to explore and photograph many great ruins, as well as meet some cool new people. I figured I would start the year off with posting a gallery update of Letchworth Village. Lately I have been falling months behind with posting photo sets up. I am going to try and get some of my older photographs posted online and out of the way before I move onto any new locations. I only have time to post one location update per month, but I was thinking of maybe posting more frequent small status type updates... http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/custodial_asylum/main.html A once renowned inn and conference center, now sits largely forgotten, quickly decaying and falling victim to mother nature. This inn includes 400 plus rooms/suites, an auditorium with a seating capacity for 800, roller skating rink, and both indoor an order pools. This was definitely once of my favorite locations to explore, with so much to see and a wonderfully extensive amount of decay, there is still much to love about this forgotten resort. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/valley_inn/index.html Every now and then I stumble upon a location that hardly appears abandoned. This abode seemed to fight against decay; not wanting to give up hope that it's past inhabitants would one day return home. At one point, this structure was probably a lovely place live, with many panoramic windows overlooking a lively swamp, an elegant central staircase and an internal stereo and speaker system (a high-tech amenity for it's time), there was really a lot to like about this home. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/swamp_house/index.html As demolition slowly but steadily moves along it is quite clear that the hospital's days are numbered. I've spent much time wandering the empty halls, tunnels, and corridors and with every trip I always seem to discover something or someone new. It will indeed be sad to one day stare out at an empty field where this hospital once stood. Anyway, I figured I would post a gallery update this month as my time is a bit constrained due to work and college, and I don't have the time to really put together a story. However I still have a couple new places to post up in the coming months, aswell as some other site updates. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/echc/main.html This homely inn nestled in the woods of New Jersey once catered to the retired person. However due to various circumstances the inn was vacated about a year ago. Although the inn now sits void of residents, it makes up for life with the belongings the past inhabitants have left behind. Walking through the numerous rooms was like walking into the private lives of each resident. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/country_living_inn/index.html The large main building is all that remains on this hospital campus. Disappointingly as beautiful as it is exteriorly is is just as ugly interiorly. Clean and empty on the inside there was not much to see, except for a neat find in the basement. The view from the top floor was nice but did not make up for the empty void this building turned out to be. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/isolation_hospital/index.html The original Wheatsworth Mill was founded sometime in the late 1800's as only a small grist and saw mill and was powered entirely from the Wallkill River, that flows beneath. As product demand increased so did the size of the mill, many new buildings were added on and newer technology was implemented. Later the National Biscuit Company better know as Nabisco, purchased the mill. Today however the mill sits abandoned, drowning in the river that once supplied it with power. It's glory is now tarnished by graffiti and mother nature. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/wheatsworth_mill/index.html Founded on March 15 1924, this abbey's original purpose was to recruit and train American men to help carry out the monastic and missionary traditions. Later on the abbey was used a retreat house for spiritual renewal. Today the abbey sits vacant awaiting a new use. Word has it that by years end the abbey will be renovated and turned into low-income housing. Despite the fairly boring interior, the abbey was a fun place to explore. Any abandoned building with comfortable chairs is a winner in my book. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/st_angers_abbey/index.html A small selection of the vast amount of houses left vacant due to the government seize of land in the 1960's. After the flood of 1955 which caused several deaths and extensive damage to the Delaware River basin, the United States government purchased the land in-order to build a massive dam to keep the river from overflowing. However like most government plans, the project was put on hold and finally de-authorized in 2002. Today the land remains as a recreation area, many of the buildings remain vacant having not seen human inhabitants in decades. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/tocks_island/index.html A historic water treatment facility containing buildings dating back to 1898! Lots too see and explore, the oldest and main structure contained a monstrous water pump, complete with a beautiful view of the pipe maze below. The new and more modern building was a playground full of control panels and buttons, it also contained the carbon filtration system. There has been thought put into preserving this historic building, however it seems no effort has been put into action yet. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/water_treatment_facility/index.html A quaint little abandoned house stuck in the 1970's. Everything was left behind by the past owners, and by everything I do mean everything! There was so much junk inside that it was basically impossible for me to set up my tripod and get any decent interior photos. I figured no problem, the place was close enough that I would just return in a few days with a mini-tripod. Well as it turns out, things didn't quite work to plan. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/la_casa_roja/index.html Dozens of buildings sit abandoned amongst a still very active psychiatric hospital. There were so many buildings to see, but with time not on my side I had to make the best out of it. Seeing the murals painted by the children who once inhabited the hospital was really interesting, a lot of time must have went into the paintings. Many of the buildings were empty, except for paint chips which accumulated like snow on the otherwise bare floors, but it was still a fun trip, and I definitally have to return eventually. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/mural_psychiatric_center/index.html Perhaps you can tell that the site has been redesigned? Over the winter break I decided to learn HTML and hand code a new site. Unlike the old WYSIWYG site, everything here is entirely hand coded by me. Although this does mean more work, it does allow for much greater flexibility, and for me to easily implement new things in the future. However there is one slight problem, that goes by the name of Internet Explorer. Basically I.E. tends to display CSS elements however it wants, which makes sites display differently. Although my site will display in I.E., it looks far better in the other browsers. So please dump Internet Explorer and get a real browser. On another note, this redesign serves as the January Update, but I'll be back in February with a new location! Until then explore the new site, and feel free to report any bugs in the design, tell me how much you hate the design, or how much you like it. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com A village originally built for the feeble minded and epileptics. Many small cottage style buildings to explore all in various states of decay and vandalism. The village layout, allowed the center to operate as a self sufficient town. Other buildings include a Synagogue, two medical buildings, powerhouse and separate male and female wards. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/custodial_asylum/main.html A government superfund site. Although a lot of the chemical waste has been cleaned up, many toxins remain along with the industrial plant and laboratory/office buildings. Some interesting things to be found, like the large chemical mixers and the papers and magazines left behind in the offices. Also, right next door sits a beautiful decaying train station. http://www.vacantnewjersey.com/locations/mohawk_industries/main.html