Site Access

In late August 2022 I got some insider info that the CCLBA (who I knew had taken possession of some part of the plant since winter 2021-2022) had one of the two parcels on the market.

Their website allows you to make a formal request for permissions to physically visit and view the property so of course I could not pass this opportunity up. I assumed that I would be denied, but any denial (written, email, etc) would be a hell of a souvenir. Much to my surprise (as seen at the top of this post), I received an email the next morning granting me access!

The south parcel is currently the only one on the market. This is a square piece of property bordered by 114th to 116th, and the east fence line to the RR tracks. So I came down on Labor Day 2022 to make my visit and determine if I wanted to place a bid!

While I do not have authorized access to the northern parcel (11236 S. Torrence) any other path into the property would be logistically difficult. So I came in through the gatehouse and I noticed that the concrete blocks in the driveway seem to have changed – I think there are more of them now. There was always a small path to walk through but that is gone. I walked over to the lunch room in the old electrical shop to see if it had been disturbed since my last visit. I was relieved to see that it seemed no one had been inside. I packed a small lunch from Baltimore Foods and sat for a spell.

After that I walked south and visited the usual places. I had parked my Divvy at 116th St. so I decided that I would force my way through the thick foilage and out onto 116th St. This was easier said than done but someone I made it through.

A variety of locks are attached to the short chain that keeps the gate closed on 116th St, probably accumulated over the years by numerous different organizations in the city and county.

I put together a short video reading my letter granting access in places around the 11400 S. Torrence parcel. I hope you enjoy it.