latest update: the ever-changing c. 1876 commercial block undergoes a complete facade removal

the gallery of images presented in this posting offer the viewer a rather sad glimpse of the most recent round of alterations being made to this heavily altered c. 1876 solidly-constructed commercial block located just west of downtown chicago.

earlier posts pertaining to this structure focused on the largely intact and original solid walnut wood staircases that at first were tossed into the dumpster, then later rescued by myself and a few of my salvage crew. shortly thereafter, the majority of the staircases, consisting of newel posts, spindles or "sticks" and railing were finally secured and carefully removed by the urban remains crew.

when we arrived a few days later to "check in," i was rather shocked to see even more floor joists (along with any and all flooring) being cut down and discarded. upper floors were no longer being spared. more and more of the original woodwork constructed within this fortified brick shell was being removed. these "sudden" changes almost appeared to be happening on the fly. i'm not privy to its reincarnation, nor do i care.

shortly after i photographed the recent deconstruction, i rounded up additional manpower to secure yet another deal where we purchased all of the joists that otherwise would be tossed in the dumpster. to be completely honest, i'm not terribly interested in the salvaged or reclaimed lumber business, but i could not allow myself to witness this pre-fire chicago wood go to waste. several truckloads later, we were informed that the original (albeit weathered) ornamented limestone facade was going to be removed in its entirety. i didn't even bother to ask what would be replacing it.

so i find myself again, having to return to what little is left of this building in order to possibly secure or salvage the window hoods and keystones located on the first and second floors. by the time they have completed the demolition, we will likely have more of the building's original material then what remains in/on the building itself.