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Monday, October 16, 2023

Cold Cut

 

Cold Cut

As college drags on I find myself once again reaching into the archives of past explores for some urbex content. 

Baron Steel opened its doors in 1964 as a producer of cold-drawn bar and cold-heading wire products. What went on in the early years of Baron's life is mostly lost to time, however, in 1996 it's noted in a newspaper that Toledo titan, Champion Spark Plug purchased a majority interest in the company.

The site in 1998.

Almost all the remaining photos are from a now defunct auction site.

Looks like part of a bar mill.

After the fall of Champion Spark Plug, Baron steel appears to have begun servicing AM General Corp (The company that makes the hummer). The plant was closed on September 5th 2003 and appeared to have been used as an office building for Baron Drawn Steel's Canton operation for an unknown length of time.

The plant in 2018.

Despite several attempts to revive the empty mill, nothing ever came to fruition. The mill sat vacant for close to 20 years until November 2022 when the site was purchased by the Lucas County Land Bank, which razed the site for future development.


The first time I visited this site was in 2018, it was just a quick stop while passing through the area. At the time I decided I would come back and fully explore it with friends later on.


As time passed by I forgot that Baron steel even existed until I was in the area again exploring the former DuPont plant a few miles away. Still on our urbex high after departing from DuPont we decided to head over here for a quick cool off before I headed home.

If it wasn't for this accidental photo I wouldn't have any photos of the outside.

Upon arrival we were disappointed to discover that demolition was well underway. The remaining machinery had been completely stripped and the offices were gutted.


Another concerning factor of our visit was the Pitbull paramilitary force across the street attempting to break free from it's confines to politely inform us of their dissatisfaction of our presence.


Deciding to not test our luck with the Police surveillance cameras outside and the not so friendly dogs across the street we decided to make this a quick explore


Knowing the clientele of this area I'm surprised that Manlift isn't on cinderblocks.

The Bar and Wire mills were both housed under wooden ceilings similar to the one in the Lefere Forge, a strange design choice for the 60s to say the least.

Looks like someone returned from their three hour tour.

The offices were full of mold and trash.

Today nothing remains of Baron Steel except a grassy lot scarred with the remains of a parking lot. I regret not staying longer to take more photos back in 2018, but there isn't much I can do about it now.

Hope you enjoyed this quick post, Mutagen out.



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