What is Urbexing?
Urban exploration, more commonly known as urbexing or roof-and-tunnel hacking, is the exploration of the abandoned ruins of buildings and other manmade structures.
An urbexer, or urban explorer, documents their findings and expeditions via photography and videography projects. The urbex photography community is quite big and doesn’t look like it will stop any time soon.
Since these buildings are abandoned and sometimes still owned by companies, trespassing onto the property is usually the only way to get in. This isn’t always the case, so sticking to buildings that are open to the public can help you avoid a ticket from the cops.
The Dangers of Urban Exploration
Although urbexing is an exhilarating hobby, there are some dangers that comes with it, including both physical danger and punishment from the authorities.
There are a couple things you need to watch out for if you decide to venture out on an urbex trip. Keeping these things in mind may keep you out of trouble.
Loose/Rotted Floor Boards
No one wants to fall from the second story of a building to the first floor because of rotted upper flooring. This one explains itself, so proceed on wooden upper floors with caution.
Police
If you don’t want to risk dealing with your local police, stay out of buildings that have no trespassing signs. Getting a trespassing ticket isn’t fun, so if you do decide to enter private property, keep an eye out for the cops.
One of our favorite places, the Thorn Apple Valley Slaughterhouse, is being renovated soon, so we follow these premises while getting in there.
Homeless People
Unfortunately, there are some homeless people who do not want you in the building that they are squatting in, even though they don’t own the place. People have been chased out and attacked by a few of them.
If you hear anyone, make your presence known. If they seem a little agitated, just leave or let them know your just taking photos. Some will let you go once they find that out. Others may not, so be prepared for the crazies.
Finding Urbex Locations
Finding urban exploration locations near you is all about research. Before you make a trip out to a place, look areas up online and see where some are near you. There are tons of urban exploration sites and YouTube videos to check out.
After you select a place, check to see if it is a safe area for parking or travel. Never endanger yourself just to get a couple shots of an abandoned location.
Look up the place on Instagram or online via urban exploration forums and see if any local urbexers are geotagging the area during their visit.
Most people won’t give you the location easily, because finding it is part of the fun. Luckily, we get our information from our urbex photographer partner over at Art of Decay.
Above all, be safe and enjoy your expedition. And please, don’t destroy or break anything while you’re there. It only takes one person to ruin it for everyone.
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Urbexing Hot Spots: Thorn Apple Valley Slaughterhouse
In the 1900’s, Downtown Detroit experienced major growth from the Dequindre Cut rail line that ran close to the Eastern Market. Allen Industries, a company known for manufacturing carpet cushion at the time, established a facility right above the cut.
That building would become what is known today as the abandoned Thorn Apple Valley Slaughterhouse.
Most likely in the mid 1960’s, the old cushion plant was bought by a meat processing company called Frederick Packing.
Their first move started with the conversion of the south part of the building, turning it into a multi-story cooler. In 1972, additional space in the warehouse came to be.
Thorn Apple Valley was not the original name of the building. It went through many different name changes before the owners settled on TAV. Unfortunately, in 1999, the company went bankrupt, and the building was left alone.
Thorn Apple Valley Today
Today, Thorn Apple Valley in Detroit, MI, sits abandoned and slowly deteriorating. Graffiti and murals cover the interior and exterior of the building, one of the most noticeable pieces of artwork being a giant silver lion on the side of the facility.
Since the building has had most of the structure covered by cardboard paneling, the interior gives off quite a haunting vibe with the multitude of pillars and dark corridors. A staircase in the far back leads to the second level of the building where a ladder to the roof can be located.
A small word of warning here. If you do decide to go to up the roof, please tread carefully. The roof is soft in certain areas, and there are visible holes up there as well. Although the city view is spectacular, we advise you are cautious while up there, and we take no responsibility for anyone who may hurt themselves.
Also, there are plans of turning the building into apartment complexes, so visitors are not necessarily welcome. We recommend going later in the day when there aren’t a lot of people staking it out.
Urbexing is a lot of fun, and you can find a bunch of amazing history about the places you visit just by entering. Just be careful when you set out and always go in a group.
For the fun of the hunt, we aren’t providing the Thorn Apple Valley Slaughterhouse Detroit address. Finding these places on your own is part of the fun.
Private message us, however, and we may give you a hint.
Happy urbexing!
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