Tag Archives: crisis

The Rotting Rothschild Mansion in Paris


The Rothschild family is one of the richest families in the world. They are so rich, that if they decide to close their Swiss accounts, Switzerland would be plunged into a recession. I don’t know this for a fact obviously, but I love quoting Absolutely Fabulous.

The family apparently has enough wealth to leave a home in a prime Paris location rot away. Just 5 miles from the famous Notre Dame, in the Edmond de Rotschild park, is the Chateau Rotschild. Or what once was the chateau. Shrubbery, graffiti and decay have taken over long since.

 

Chateau Rotschild in decay in Paris

Source: Messynessychic.com

 

American abandoned houses


There is something eerie about abandoned homes. Especially if parts of the inhabited past is still there, like furniture, curtains or other traces of the times when people called it home. Photographer Kevin Baumann photographed a 100 of them. Each of them with a story that the spectator is left to guess or fantasize about. Was it the crunch that drove the occupants away? Or did they die alone with no family left to take care of their homes? I love this series.

all photography in this article by Kevin Baumann

Own a bit of architectural history; The Affordable Frank Lloyd Wright


In 1895, when this block of apartments was designed, Wright was just starting out as an independent architect. He would need a couple more years to claim his fame with his better known works.

Frank Lloyd Wright designed Chicago townhouse

Frank Lloyd Wright designed Chicago townhouse

The Waller Apartments were designed as a set of five party-wall buildings, each of which was subdivided into four apartments. Wrights usual ornamental and decorative signature is missing. Clean, simple and understated lines showcase the use and functionality of the building; cheap housing.  Though the facades now appear dark and covered with grime, segments have recently been power-washed, exposing the brickwork’s original egg-yolk like colour which make it look a lot brighter.

Over the past century, the apartments have undergone long periods of neglect and abandonment. In 1968, the fourth unit burnt down, and its remains removed. In that time, two of the buildings were converted into town homes, including the two-story townhouse now for sale. After going into foreclosure last year, the three-bedroom, 1,200 square feet unit was put on the market, originally listed at $169,000, but since lowered to an unthinkable $60,000. Extensive interior restoration is required but still, after that you could be the proud owner of a real Wright for a very friendly budget.

source: Architizer Blog