The Second Empire Gym - Sept 2016

[mookster]

You know when you get that urge to do something impulsive and outlandish? Yeah that happened to me during my time in America. I'm not usually one for solo jaunts, least of all in a city I am still largely a stranger to, least of all when it also involves going some way into a pretty rough neighbourhood also. But needs must, and all that.​

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To give a brief history, it was originally a row of three large townhouses, before being purchased by a secret society who constructed a large auditorium and ballroom on the rear of the property, before it passed into the hands of a boxing promotion who used the auditorium for many years as their arena.​

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I'd seen a few photos of this place come up from a friend just before I left on my trip so he gave me all the details I'd need, and stepping foot inside it was one of those rare 'jaw on floor' moments that I was finally seeing it for myself, stood in one of the most iconic places in American sporting history. It's utterly unique, incredibly beautiful, and a massive shame that it has been left abandoned, taken charge of by a development company with a string of failures to their name. Sadly the most likely outcome of this place will be demolition of all but the historic frontage and construction of a hotel on the land.​

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I didn't have long in here as it was getting dark and didn't want to outstay my welcome, but it's a massive tick in the accomplishments box for me.​

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Thanks for looking ​

 

[Andy]

No doubt a special place. A very nice and interesting set.

 

[-Raz-]

Incredibly cool! not something you see everyday

 

[The_Raw]

What a special and unique place, would love to see this one!  

 

[Urbexbandoned]

This is lovely mookster, really enjoyed reading about the history and story behind it. Reminds me of some east end gym back in the day of the Krays but surrounded in a stunning building! Nice one