There’s something about abandoned properties that sparks a flame of curiosity for the adventurous explorer in all of us. These places beg the question, “What happened?” as we seek to unearth the origins of the abandoned spot, including what led to its downfall. This particular spot in St. Louis seemed to have a lot of potential, until tragedy took hold and left it decrepit and vacant.
Before it was Cementland, this open property in St. Louis served as a cement factory. Once it closed, it became a dumping ground for local construction crews.
Paul Sableman/flickr
However, Bob Cassily, artist and creator of City Museum, saw potential in this 55-acre lot. He bought the property and began construction on it to turn it into an art amusement park.
Paul Sableman/flickr He continued to allow construction crews to dump their scraps onto the lot. This way, he had more materials to work with and the project could fund itself.
Unfortunately, Cassily died in an accident onsite when he was working on the property alone.
Paul Sableman/flickr
Concrete sculptures, obsolete machines and waterways can be found throughout the property.
Paul Sableman/flickr
The site is closed to the public, but that doesn’t stop people from sneaking in to explore the unfinished project.
Paul Sableman/flickr
It’s a popular place for teenagers to sneak out to and for graffiti artists to leave their mark.
Paul Sableman/flickr
In December of 2016, a fire burned and charred half of the warehouse in Cementland. Cassily had artwork and molds stored in the loft there, which were also destroyed in the fire.
Paul Sableman/flickr
While the fate of this incomplete project is unknown, the bones of it still remain for people to explore at their own risk.
Paul Sableman/flickr
It’s a shame that such a brilliant project was put on hold. Hopefully, someone will come in to complete the work that Cassilly began. Until then, you can find this abandoned park at 520 Scranton Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. To explore other unique abandoned places in Missouri, click here.
Paul Sableman/flickr
He continued to allow construction crews to dump their scraps onto the lot. This way, he had more materials to work with and the project could fund itself.
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