While drifting down the Buffalo River the other day I was amazed when I happened to look up to see a crew of workers power-washing the General Mills grain mill (*FB). At first I thought they must be up to something else because it is a natural assumption that these monoliths are not cleaned… at least when it comes to outward aesthetics. Upon closer examination I could visibly make out a notable difference on the surface. First look to the left of the two-person crew and then check it out to their right. The bricks on the left side were like new, as were the windows and the steel frames. To the right the building’s face was grossly discolored. The difference was amazing (click on the photo to enlarge).
After spending so many years observing these historic industrial markers and wondering about their future I was mesmerized by the activity that I saw before me. The thought of power washing a grain elevator/mill was just too bizarre. Yet here they were, scaling the building’s side… meticulously scouring the polluted scum from its walls. The cleaning brought new life to the monstrous operational structure. It made me think of West Coast’s previous post detailing possible reuses for these types of iconic landmarks. Reuses that are not just fitful dreams, but idea-driven realities in other parts of the world.
Click here to see a past post featuring a slide show of the grain elevators/mills.
Then check out West Coast’s slide show of Emscher Park in Germany. Can you imagine?