The World’s Most Expensive Abandoned Structures
It’s not uncommon to pass abandoned structures while you’re on your way to work or on vacation in another country. But have you ever stopped to think what the structure you’re seeing might’ve cost to build?
Well, wonder no more. We’ve compiled a list of the most expensive buildings that have ended up being abandoned. And we assure you that some of those price tags are very unexpected.
Stoilov’s Monument
The Buzludzha Monument was built as a reminder of the Bulgarian Communist Party. The monument, which cost $35 million, was constructed between 1974 and 1981. It was based on a design by Georgi Stoilov.
The building was abandoned eight years later. And over time, the building, as well as the mosaics it housed, withered and degraded.
Singapore’s Palace
Istana Woodneuk cost Sultan Ibrahim an astonishing $3.7 billion. The Sultan first built the house in 1932 as a residence for himself and his wife.
Fifty-eight years later, the property and house were bought by the government. However, no money was invested in restoring the house to its former glory. And after being consumed by a fire in 2006, the house was declared irreparable.
Croatia’s Palace Hotel
There were lush green gardens, beautiful hostesses, and an endless supply of caviar. That was what made the Haludovo Palace Hotel the place to be.
The elite flocked to the $45 million hotel as soon as it opened in 1972, but it wasn’t meant to last. The hotel closed down a year later and has remained that way since.
North Carolina’s Abandoned Theme Park
Don’t you sometimes wish you could walk down the yellow brick road like Dorothy did in The Wizard of Oz? Well, for a while, you could. Land of Oz in North Carolina had over 44,000 yellow bricks in their Wizard Of Oz inspired theme park.
Sadly, the park that was built for $5 million in 1970 closed its doors in 1980. That happened five years after it struggled to get back on its feet following a fire that destroyed the majority of the equipment in 1975.
The Astrodome
At the time of its construction in 1962, the NRG Astrodome cost $300 million. The mayor of Huston, Roy Hofheinz, liked the idea of a multi-functional stadium that could be used to draw in crowds. Thus, he backed the idea.
But sadly, the stadium was decommissioned in 2008 as it broke fire regulations.
The Old Michigan Central Station
The $15 million building that was constructed as a replacement for the Detroit train station still sits on the West Vernor Highway. But its fate was not what its designers hoped it would be.
As the demand for such massive train stations declined, Michigan Central Station was forced to close its doors. The building, which was constructed in 1888, is now owned by Ford.
The 105 Building
In North Korea, there’s a building known as Ryugyong Hotel or the 105 building. Construction on the massive, 1080-foot-tall building started in 1987. And in total, it cost a whopping $750 million.
However, construction was halted in 1992, and by that time, the exterior hadn’t even been finished. The exterior was only finished in 2011, with plans of partially opening the hotel in 2018. Sadly, that never happened.
Underwater Domes Florida
The Cape Romano Dome House was originally built in 1979 at a cost of over $20 million. The house was constructed by businessman Bob Lee and used to sit on land at the time of its construction.
But after it was hit by Hurricane Andrew, Mr. Lee and his family were forced to leave. The property was sold, and the new buyer attempted to save the buildings by moving them, but there wasn’t enough time.
Gothic Hospital In Hudson State
The infamous Hudson River State hospital was constructed in 1986 at a cost of $14 million. The building, which was fashioned in a Victorian gothic style, was built as a psychiatric hospital.
But since 2003, the hospital didn’t have a single patient. The building has been severely damaged by fire, but attempts are still underway to renovate it.
Taiwan’s UFO City
In 1978, construction started on the San-Zhi Pod City in Taiwan. There were supposed to be bright, UFO-shaped houses across the new city, which was meant to be a vacation spot for US soldiers.
But sadly, construction stopped after investors put over $50 million into it. They were losing money rapidly and decided to abandon the site instead of investing any more of their funds.
The New York State Pavilion
The New York State Pavilion was constructed in 1962 and cost $14 million. The Pavilion was built to be used for the New York World Fair that was taking place in 1964 but was supposed to be repurposed after that.
Sadly, that didn’t happen. Instead of being used, the Pavilion was abandoned and fell into a state of disrepair.
Rio’s Abandoned Stadium
In 2014, Rio de Janeiro started construction on the Aquatics stadium that would be used for the 2016 Olympic games. The country spent no expense on preparations and ended up paying $38 million for this stadium alone.
But years later, the stadium is lying in waste. The structure had been abandoned, and it is slowly crumbling away.
The Miniature Disney Castles In Turkey
Halfway between Istanbul and Ankara, there is a development that cost $200 million. The houses built in the area looked like miniature versions of Disney castles and were meant to draw in buyers looking for vacation homes.
Unfortunately, the project that started in 2014 ended because it turned out to be a waste of time and resources.
Luxurious Hawaiian Resort
When the $135 million Coco Palm Resort in Hawaii opened its doors in 1953, it was the place to be. It had visitors flocking in over the years, but in 1992, tragedy struck.
The resort was devastated by a hurricane that forced it to remain shut. Attempts have been made to restore the resort, but ultimately the deal fell through.