i knew it would happen

there's this building on the southwest corner of fullerton and racine that i don't think has never been occupied in the 6 years that i've lived here. it's called the Rubens Baby Factory. instead of selling it and turning it into a loft, which was my dream everytime i walked past it, they're tearing it down. i knew they were doing something when they put up scaffolding. i was womdering what they were going to do when they starting putting up that glass monstrosity next to it. i told my sister, "we have to get into that building before something happens to it." but i never did. i never even took a picture of it when i had the chance, and i even worked across the street from it for 6 months. i always thought it would be there. now they're tearing it down and they're going to put a parking lot in its space. ah, a beautiful parking lot. thank god.

when i noticed it was coming down, i knew i had to get some picture of it by any means necessary. after work on tuesday, about 9:30pm, i took my camera and got in through an open fence. some people consider this to be trespassing, and boy howdy, it is. and while i was wearing my bright red jacket, i thought i looked like a snooping target. from parts of the building i was visible to the road, but no one was looking. i took about 80 pictures.

i wish i could have gotten in when it was still in tact. i'm the type of person who thinks, "i should really call that friend i haven't spoken to in years. i really should. i'll do it tomorrow." and tomorrow turns into more years and when i go to call, i find out they're dead. yes, this sounds harsh, but it's actually happened. it's the same way with these buildings. you thinkt they'll be there forever, but the wrecking balls of chicago know no sleep. it's tiring having to keep on top of it, but no one will remember these brick friends of ours if someone doesn't go out and capture their beauty when they're still standing. i think it's worth the risk.