A unique piece of Austin history may be headed for the, ahem, junk pile.
The Cathedral of Junk in Austin Texas, a 33-foot high folk art structure fashioned from discarded objects and scrap metal will soon be closing .
The owner, Vince Hannemann, has decided that altering the 60-ton structure to bring it into compliance with demands made by Austin city officials has altered the unique character of the piece and further modifications will destroy it completely.
Mr. Hannemann commented that the changes he has made in pursuit of city approval have already the rendered the structure a "Junkhenge."
The cathedral's problems began back in March when an anonymous complaint to city officials raised questioned the structure's safety. The Cathedral rises from a suburban backyard in South Austin.
The structure is very popular with locals and tourists and neighbors had begun to complain about the noise and the traffic generated by hundreds of visitors each year.
The Cathedral had already seen some changes over the years - significantly, the dismantling of a 200-set Pyramid of TVs and the removal of a three-story tower at the rear of the property..
Mr. Hannemann, who started work on the Cathedral in 1988, has decided to rework the cathedral's unique pieces into smaller yard art to avoid building codes. He once told Roadsideamerica.com, "People ask me all the time, 'What made you want to do this?' Like it had some sort of profound meaning. I just did it because I liked it. And when I stop liking it I'll take it down."
Looks like that day has come.
___________________
More:
Teenager forced to marry cow – after he is caught having sex with it
Wednesday's Witches: World Cup, Salem, and Burkittsville witchery!
Dinosaur Park to close and take Lake Erie monster and Mystery Hill with it
Check out the slideshow! It's junktastic!
Comments
Nooooo, not the Cathedral of Junk! This is a sad, sad day.
I wonder what douchebag of a yuppie filed the anonymous complaint - willing to bet it was someone with property nearby, someone who moved in knowing that the cathedral was already there, and then, after moving in, decided they'd like to alter the neighborhood to suit their own interests.
Money talks!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!