9/27/2013
Fort Ord, California
Abandoned Prison, Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord is a large decommissioned Army base near Monterey California. The fort was closed in 1994 and the fort property is gradually being redeveloped. In the 1940s through the 1960s as many as 50,000 people were stationed at Fort Ord. Most of the Fort's structures were clustered in the Northwestern section of the fort property. That area is being redeveloped for residential, commercial and educational uses and is the home of the new California State University Monterrey Bay campus. Many former military buildings in this area are still standing. Many of those buildings (especially the residential ones) are severely deteriorated and awaiting demolition. There are a few groups of dozens of two story, wooden barracks that are essentially abandoned in this area- one is right across the street from a new Target Supercenter and strip shopping development. These wooden structures appear to have been built in the 1940s. Some are inhabited by squatters and they are mostly open to the elements. There are also a few neighborhoods of single story detached military housing awaiting demolition. Some of these neighborhoods of former housing are being redeveloped with new housing. As a result, there are neighborhoods of new suburban style homes next to neighborhoods of abandoned military housing. There are odd juxtapositions like this here and there throughout the former fort property as of 2013.
Fort Ord, California
In the center of the densely built section of the fort there are rows of three story concrete barracks and many substantial concrete administrative/office buildings. Most of these appear to have been built in the 1950s and 60s. Many of these buildings are either being used as offices or are in the process of being demolished. Most of the concrete structures in the center of the fort complex are secured. There are some interesting structures on the periphery of the fort's core such as the abandoned swimming pool pictured below. The pool is next to a skating rink that's currently being used. One of the many abandoned churches on the fort property is near the pool/rink. There is an abandoned military prison on the Northeast edge of the developed area. The grounds of the prison and some of it's buildings are being used by concrete company and it is secured. There are several structures and clusters of structures away from the most developed section of the fort. The one on the Northeast edge of the property is now mostly demolished. The impossible city is still being used as a training area for law enforcement but it is apparently easy to sneak into (although I haven't tried).
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord is in a constant state of flux. Buildings are being torn down every day and new buildings are being constructed. The street layout is also being significantly changed in areas. Large sections of the previously undeveloped outer areas of the fort are now the Fort Ord National Monument and being managed by the BLM as a recreation area. There are few restrictions to traveling around the fort property. Many people are currently living and working in areas of the fort. People who live nearby jog through the sections of abandoned housing in the mornings and the abandoned buildings in the center of the fort are often next to buildings that are in use. The area is patrolled but not much seems to be off-limits. Because of this, it has become very popular with urban explorers, photographers and the curious. I've been twice and hope to go back again soon to see how he redevelopment of the fort is progressing.
Lots of pictures and more information at fortord.net.
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
Fort Ord, California
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