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@theycalledmeroofs

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Rooftop photography & subterranean history.
#lightuptheroofs 🖼️ 🗺️
Going where I want, not where I’ve see others.

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The Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex

In 1975 the US army finished construction on a 6 billion dollar, 127.000 square foot facility with a 79 foot fall concrete pyramid so thick it could shield nuclear electromagnetic radiation. This pyramid was equipped with 4 massive radars and a control room that provided launch control for over 100 anti-ballistic missiles designed to intercept incoming warheads during the Cold War Era. This was the first facility of its kind ever completed in the United States as part of the US’s planned 12-part anti-ballistic missile defense system, known as the Safeguard Program. However, the facility was only in full operation for roughly 3 days, and 8 months later it was fully decommissioned. The facility sat inactive and abandoned for years with only rumors of it still being in use, probably because of the maintained property, barb wire fencing, spot lights, constant security presence, and many active cameras surrounding the site. It wasn’t until 2008 that they started allowing occasional tours, but the interior of the pyramid has always been strictly forbidden to all public access. In 2022 the pyramid itself was sold to Bitzero Blockchain Inc. who plans to now now turn it into a data center.

#coldwarera #abandoned #strangeplaces #safeguard #complex taken in North Dakota by @theycalledmeroofs

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2 months ago

The very first commercially successful district heating system was invented by American hydraulic engineer Birdsill Holly in 1877. Originally fueled by coal, these systems piped extremely high temperature steam through concrete ducts that were not very efficient, or safe, but they did the trick. It wasn’t until roughly 100 years later that “Scandinavian District Heating Technology” was created using prefabricated, insulated pipes that were directly buried into the ground. Similar to the designs we still use today.

#seattle #seattleurbex #industrial #criticalinfrastructure taken in Seattle, Washington by @theycalledmeroofs

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2 months ago

The Pillsbury Headrace

In 1881, the St Anthony Falls Water Power Company began Construction on a system of tunnels so massive it became home to the largest working Headrace in the world. This Headrace was used to divert water from the Mississippi River into a turbine pit with two of the most powerful direct drive waterwheels ever built. Each waterwheel was capable of generating up to 890 kilowatts of electricity that was used to power the entirety of the Mill for the next 72 years. The Pillsbury Mill held the spot as largest mill in the world for the next 40 years, remaining in operation for 122 years in total until it closed it doors in 2003 out lasting every other river front mill in the city. In the early 2000s, this Headrace became a hot spot for spelunkers, urban explorers, and adventurous party goers. With a constant flow of roughly foot deep water running through the tunnel, it created the perfect atmosphere for events such as “ducky party” where local explorers would block the drop shaft with sand bags raising the water to waste deep levels for a yearly pool party themed private event. After the Pillsbury Mill was converted into loft apartments in 2015, the Headrace was re constructed with large pipe working similarly to the past design on a much smaller scale that is now part of a history museum, and only accessible at specific times for maintenance and occasional monitored tours. taken in Minneapolis, Minnesota by @theycalledmeroofs

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4 months ago

Wanted to watch a movie here but couldn’t figure it out. by @theycalledmeroofs

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a year ago

1000 feet up. taken in Chicago, Illinois by @theycalledmeroofs

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a year ago

Neon sign enthusiast. taken in Seattle, Washington by @theycalledmeroofs

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a year ago

I felt like MJ 💃

📸: @joshhild taken in Seattle, Washington by @theycalledmeroofs

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2 years ago

Urban pyramids in the sky taken in Seattle, Washington by @theycalledmeroofs

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2 years ago

Hidden spaces beneath normal places. taken in Seattle, Washington by @theycalledmeroofs

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3 months ago

Ancient pillars holding up grass fields. taken in Akron Ny by @theycalledmeroofs

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2 years ago

The Main Street plant.

Back in the early twentieth century, Hydroelectricity was the leading industry on the east bank of Minneapolis. In 1894, The General Electric Company constructed a station on Main Street to supply power for the city’s electric street lights. Though the original building caught fire in 1911, and it was immediately rebuilt into the building that still stands today. taken in Minneapolis, Minnesota by @theycalledmeroofs

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2 years ago

Rack city taken in Chicago, Illinois by @theycalledmeroofs

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2 years ago