Back in November I stopped by a classic Chicago location, the old ACME Coke plant. For anyone who's explored in the city this old coke firing factory needs no further introduction, but I will say the view at the top was more than worth the sketchy climb up the seven story coal tower.

IMG_9601 by Forgotten Interstices, on Flickr

IMG_9611 by Forgotten Interstices, on Flickr

The only way to the top was by walking across this board three stories up to reach the fire escape, which ascended another four stories to the top. Easily the sketchiest part of the climb in my opinion.

IMG_9623 by Forgotten Interstices, on Flickr

Someone went through the trouble of hauling one of those bulky tourist telescopes all the way to the top of the coal tower to take advantage of the view. Apparently it's name is Sadie!

IMG_9677 by Forgotten Interstices, on Flickr

IMG_9684 by Forgotten Interstices, on Flickr

The views in question. It was so peaceful from up there.

IMG_9629 by Forgotten Interstices, on Flickr

IMG_9634 by Forgotten Interstices, on Flickr

But alas, all good things must end and I had to eventually come down to meet another explorer on the north side to check out a different location, which is a story for another thread. Here's to fun climbs and amazing views.

Nice share! There used to be a bunch of other beat-to-hell-covered-in-dickart-not-worth-protecting buildings on this site - still there?

Very cool write up about this place for anyone interested: https://substreet.org/acme-coke/ Their pics appear to be from about the same time frame as Aran's, but absent is his sketchy plank walk *insert bad pirate stereotype here* .....

Love that telescope!

great climb! walking that plank does look sketch... super cool that they had the telescopes up there though

This is incredible, nice work Aran! That plank does look terrifying, but it'd be hard to resist checking out Sadie...love that skyline shot, too. Thanks for sharing!

Posted by fr00tCake Nice share! There used to be a bunch of other beat-to-hell-covered-in-dickart-not-worth-protecting buildings on this site - still there?

Nah, all that's left is what's visible from my photos from the top of the tower- it's just that red building and a few other small ones, and every single one of them is a concrete and brick shell on the inside. This place is truly bombed out, it felt almost post-apocalyptic.