Brutalist Architecture

This building, oh… this crazy old building.

It’s been (so very slowly) deconstructed, and so isn’t viewable at all any more. But for years after it was abandoned, the entire compound just slowly fell apart out in the woods.

For years it was visited by a few thrillseekers, transients, a number of really young children (I know, right?) and a few older folk that remember the compound’s original stories: as the Callahan Center, a branch of Dammasch State Hospital (1883-2012).

If I remember correctly, Dammasch hospital was built to be be available as an emergency nuclear decontamination facility/hospital if there ever was a localized nuclear attack. There were these tunnels that stretched from Dammasch hospital’s basement to the Living Enrichment Center. Supposedly, these tunnels even led to an underground “food cache”.

I’ve seen the entrance to this tunnel system, but it had been filled in/collapsed. Hey I’m a photographer, not a miner.

I think the original plan for the LEC’s remains was to just let nature do most of the deconstruction, as it sat adrift in the woods for almost a decade… but let’s face it, that Brutalist design doesn’t really come down on it’s own.

On quiet days it really had some beautiful, if not totally abandoned and somewhat creepy, moments. RIP, LEC.

Corrosion at Blue Heron Mill

This is a close-up of one of the many decomposing tanks and infrastructure at the old Blue Heron Mill. Fortunately they give tours of the mill now, as so many hooligan-types were sneaking in to take pictures of nature doing it’s thing. See what they are soon planning to do with the once-derelict site at willamettefallslegacy.org

New Coca-Cola Sign

This crusty old metal Coca-Cola sign was something I found laying in the dust of East Las Vegas. There’s a little paint still hanging on, but for the most part it’s camouflaged against the desert floor.

Beach Landing

Well, maybe not. This old boat isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. But I do enjoy the new paint scheme the forest is applying…

Green Machine

This old tractor was found in the woods near Highway 26, with a small forest of young trees growing up all around (and through) it. It’s kind of amazing how well the green paint has stood the test of time, considering how old this thing is!

The Whale

I love Eastern Oregon. This wood is completely weathered out from the intense dryness and brutal, constant sun. I noticed the face in this board, looking somewhat like a whale. Portrait, taken.

Desert Paint

This is one of the more vivid scenes of industrial leftovers I came across in the Eastern Oregon desert. The years of sun and wind have seriously taken a toll on this old thresher or other piece of farm equipment. But at the same time, it’s pretty amazing looking, too.