Cleveland, Ohio, is a city known for its industrial past and cultural landmarks. However, it also harbors numerous abandoned places that reveal a different side of the city—one of decay and forgotten history. From decaying factories to grand theaters left to crumble, these sites offer a haunting glimpse into Cleveland's past. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Cleveland for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. The Cleveland Arcade
Once a bustling shopping center when it opened in 1890, the Cleveland Arcade is an iconic structure of Victorian architecture. Though partially restored and now home to a hotel, parts of the original shopping areas have been left abandoned, with empty storefronts and long-forgotten corridors that evoke the grandeur of Cleveland's early 20th century. These lesser-known parts still hint at its once-bustling past.
2. The Variety Theatre
The Variety Theatre, opened in 1927, was a popular movie palace and vaudeville stage in its heyday. Abandoned for decades, the building has since fallen into disrepair, with its once-ornate ceilings peeling away and empty auditoriums filled with dust. Though there are efforts to restore the theater, it remains a haunting reminder of Cleveland’s entertainment history.
3. Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Plant
Cleveland was once a hub for industrial manufacturing, and the Westinghouse Electric Plant is a relic of that era. The massive complex, which once produced electric equipment, has been abandoned since the 1980s. The rusting machinery, broken windows, and overgrown factory floors offer a glimpse into the industrial decline of the city, making it a popular destination for urban explorers.
4. St. Joseph Byzantine Catholic Church
Built in the 1930s, the St. Joseph Byzantine Catholic Church once served a thriving parish but has been abandoned for years. The church’s crumbling stained-glass windows, peeling paint, and decaying pews create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. Its stunning architecture, even in decay, attracts explorers and photographers.
5. Cleveland Trust Company Building (Rotunda)
Though the Cleveland Trust Company Building has been restored and repurposed into a grocery store and offices, certain upper floors and the adjacent office tower remain abandoned. The rotunda’s stained-glass ceiling and intricate details still evoke the grandeur of the building's early days. The contrast between the restored and abandoned sections creates a unique atmosphere for exploration.
6. The Warner and Swasey Observatory
The Warner and Swasey Observatory, once a premier research facility for Case Western Reserve University, has been abandoned since the 1980s. The observatory, located on the outskirts of Cleveland, now stands in disrepair, with overgrown grounds and crumbling telescopes. The decaying structure has become a popular spot for urban explorers and astronomy enthusiasts looking to experience the eerie remnants of Cleveland's scientific history.
7. The Cadillac Building
Located in Cleveland’s historic Warehouse District, the Cadillac Building was once a bustling office building but has been abandoned for years. The once-grand building, with its rusting fire escapes, broken windows, and crumbling interior, is a haunting reminder of Cleveland’s commercial decline. Though redevelopment has been proposed, much of the building remains in decay.
8. The Warner & Swasey Company Factory
Built in 1881, the Warner & Swasey Company Factory was a major producer of precision instruments for telescopes and machine tools. The factory was abandoned in the 1980s, and its decaying industrial floors, broken machinery, and graffiti-covered walls make it a popular spot for explorers. The rusting equipment and crumbling structures offer a haunting reminder of Cleveland’s industrial past.
9. The Cleveland Athletic Club
The Cleveland Athletic Club was once a prestigious social club and fitness center that operated for nearly a century before closing in 2007. The grand ballroom, swimming pool, and gymnasium have been left to decay, with crumbling plaster and rusting equipment filling the building. While there are plans to redevelop the property, the abandoned sections remain eerily beautiful.
10. Tremont Elementary School
Tremont Elementary School was once a lively educational institution, but it has been abandoned for years. The decaying classrooms, broken chalkboards, and empty gymnasium make the school a popular destination for urban explorers. The sense of nostalgia combined with its current state of decay creates a haunting atmosphere in this forgotten Cleveland landmark.
Conclusion
Cleveland’s abandoned places reveal a side of the city often hidden from view. From decaying industrial complexes to forgotten churches and theaters, these locations offer a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the city's rich past. As always, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect property laws when visiting these sites, as many are dangerous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, Cleveland’s abandoned places provide an unforgettable journey through history and decay.
