The Uber Fixer Upper: Abandoned building renovation:

[@Davett53]

I rented my studio in that building for more than 10 years. Eventually a "power auger" was installed that automatically pulled the coal into the furnace, however the caretaker still came by once a night, to check on it. He was also tasked with washing the floors and stairs in the front of the building. Later yet, the auger was replaced, and the boiler was converted to run on natural gas.

[@GrumpyClaus]

Some of us are living vicariously through you!! Seeing early clips … wow, you got rid of so much stuff… you are one hard working dude!

[@brickandsole]

Oh my gosh! Thanks, I am going to make a really big push starting early October so more changes coming soon!

[@sharoncarter6081]

Been here since the beginning, enjoy your will to fix the building. Keep on Rocking it.

[@brickandsole]

Thanks so much Sharon. You have commented before right? So many it's hard to keep them straight but I am starting to recognize some of the regulars and especially the ones who comment all the time.

[@paullheureux2021]

Don't change your style. Keep doing the videos like the first ones. There is something about the way your videos are that brought success. So one-to-one.

[@brickandsole]

Thanks so much for the encouragement. Much appreciated. and thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@sparks869]

Hopefully you get a sponsor for Exterior Security Cameras and No Trespassing Signs to deter all the vandalism.

[@brickandsole]

I have an interesting video coming up about that in October.

[@Darkhero79]

I've personally been keeping track of this channel for several months now, if not longer, and it's been a joy to keep up with the progress you've made across the board. It's been amazing to see where the building has ended up and I can't wait to see what it's made into with enough time and effort!

[@brickandsole]

Love this comment. Thanks so much!

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

Maybe not a DIY channel but a DIMY (Doing It My Way) channel! I stuck around because the journey. You are authentic, you listen, you learn, you evolve and more importantly you are flexible and not afraid to change things when/if things don’t work out. The channel is very entertaining, probably to some of us 50 somethings because at times this is almost like watching old Wiley Coyote trying to catch the Road Runner Cartoons. “What awful thing is going to befall Chris this week?!” Just kidding! Sorta….😂 Anyhoo, I am learning here too and you do elicit some sage advice from other viewers while doing your projects that have helped me become more efficient. So keep on rocking on and we’ll keep watching!

[@brickandsole]

Thanks for the great comments! I call it a D.I.Dont channel. LOL. Looking forward to October, got some big projects coming up. In time it will start to show!

[@dansetzer1454]

Cyd in MD. Thanks for the really good tour. I found the drawing very helpful. Also, Kuddos for not touting products to us that we really don't want. It's a pain to tune into a video for vintage antiques or a how-to on better home videos and have to listen to the KZbinr tell you about the vitamins, makeup or pre measured meals they use. Oops, I almost forgot. I saw a travel video that showed a facility like your, but smaller. It was being used by artists. It didn't matter if paint got on the floor or dusty marble chips went flying. It had wonderful light and seemed to be a very creative environment. In the future a part of your place might be able to make space for artists at a reasonable rent.

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

I was thinking the same thing. Lease out parts for an art studio or even sound proof the hell out of a room a band could rent for band practice.

[@brickandsole]

That would be simply amazing. I am an artist at heart, though I don't have the craft skills, I like that Idea and it would make an amazing arts space, especially on the third floor with 360 degree 9 foot windows. As for the products. I am going to do a few but strictly with things that are helpful and consistent with what I am doing. I won't do things that make no sense. I like the community here too much for that.

[@laurabarnes3077]

We're outside Cincinnati and my husband is from Decatur IL. So we are following your progress with interest (we really felt for you when we had the super high temps these past few weeks!). Now whenever we see an old factory that looks like yours we check to see if it's a 'Buster Brown'. Turns out there are so many throughout the Midwest, even one here in our town once. Keep up the great work, wish we could help you out.

[@brickandsole]

Oh wow! small world. Glad to have you on the channel! I have a video were we looked at some buildings in the area, amazing how cheap they are going for. mine was 20k. Decatur is full of them. I have always considered it a very industrial town. you are right Brown shoes were everywhere!

[@ryandean69]

Well, I watch because you are a regular guy doing something real cool. I have bought a couple buildings full of junk, not on your scale!😁

[@brickandsole]

Was it an adventure or a cautionary tale?

[@ryandean69]

@@brickandsole adventure! Found amazing stuff, cleaned an old place up and sold them to someone who will take it farther. I am still looking for my building, like you found yours.

[@peterholmesgavleman]

Yes, showing us predominately what YOU see in the building is great.

[@brickandsole]

Thanks for the kind words sir!

[@allenjamison-nm7pn]

So many rooms and spaces thanks for the perspective! Hey Chris is Neil going to get the elevator going soon?

[@brickandsole]

He is currently working on the panel which I shipped to him. Also he wrote to the original manufacturer in case they have schematics. That might save some re-working of it. But also the major thing that is holding us up is asking to get 3 phase back in the building. I have a service point for it. I should be able to give some updates here in October.

[@garyjones2582]

Thank you for posting the layout of the bldg.. Possibly when you're working in the future you could post that map showing everyone what floor and location of where you're at in the bldg.. I always wondered where the tin room was.. I wonder if it would be possible to replace the broken windows on first floor and as they're replaced weld a frame with steel mesh to cover the windows and keep them from getting broken again... I know for every job you attempt to do, you have 5 things to do in preparation for that one task.. you're doing a great job and thx for bringing us along...

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

I was thinking get a 1/4 inch sheet of plexi and screw it on the outside. Still get the light and the rocks kids throw will bounce off.

[@garyjones2582]

@@HabitualButtonPusher plexi might be more expensive than the steel.. And he might have lots of scrap from the bldg that could be used for the frame.. possibly he could trade stuff for the mesh...

[@brickandsole]

Not sure if you guys saw a recent episode I have enough glass for a thousand windows that I found upstairs on the third floor believe it or not. If I clean up the frames, and Can cut and caulk new ones in really quickly in case the kids keep throwing rocks, then when that runs out I can switch to plexiglass. A single square might be more expensive but if it gets knocked out with a rock I can just pick it up and caulk it back in....... Theoretically....

[@MrJeep75]

​@@brickandsoleto bad all that glass is tempered probably for sliding glass doors

[@steelrain4362]

Loyal follower here, I never miss a video, and try to comment on every video. We all gotta do our part to help the algorithm. I wish I lived closer, because I would be there helping as much as possible.

[@brickandsole]

That would be awesome! A unique KZbin name like yours, and regular comments makes you a very memorable visitor. Thanks for that. Much appreciated. Cheers!

[@mrbreeze9777]

Hello Chris, take the tool sponsorships. The difference between getting a job done with what you had to work with, versus working with the sponsors tool, would be a natural learning transition that most people wouldn’t view as a commercial. Your wallet will love you for it.

[@brickandsole]

Thanks for that, I was on the fence but I am going to start doing that. Nice knowing viewers like you are understanding. Cheers.

[@kevinturner6495]

That was a great video Chris...Now I understand the building better...I was never in the building but since my father and step mother both worked there is really interesting seeing a walk thru of the entire building... I have enjoyed your channel and this series for quite a while...The progress you have made is amazing...Thanks for sharing I can't wait for the next video

[@brickandsole]

If you ever come through town when I am around I invite you to stop by.

[@theresawatkins-lj8pw]

Thank You for sharing your grand project with us!!! Your life is interesting because not many people can take something like this on. Just wish I lived close enough to help out!

[@brickandsole]

Me too! Lol. Thanks for the kind words!

[@theresawatkins-lj8pw]

@@brickandsole keep up the good work & realize your dreams!

[@AnnHinrichs-j8z]

Oh don’t touch up the paint on the side. Leave it original. Love seeing the place then look at old pictures of the building and imagine what it was like. Keep up the great work. The possibilities are endless!

[@brickandsole]

Thanks so much. Seems like your point of view is consistent with the consensus.

[@MrJeep75]

​@coldwarmercantile it needs to have something done with it, I hate people thinking, leaving stuff as it will eventually lead to it non existence

[@kimberlydavis2754]

So am I the only one that looks every day for a new video and when you see it it's like your birthday and Christmas all in one...🎉

[@vickiegossett7214]

Hi Chris. I was born and raised in this town, and still luve there just a few block away from the brown shoe building. You have your hands full. I knew John & Reene Winnett (good people) . John died, he was a retired plumber and years ago he had an insulation business. John went to auctions and bought, bought and bought. Thank you these video's are very interesting.

[@brickandsole]

Yeah, I think he was a kind of legend in the town for auctions and other things too like the plumbing business. My grandpa used to do business with him when I was a kid. thanks for the comment cool to see local folks are also watching.

[@nothanks9184]

I think you're channel is great and I'm living vicariously through you. I would love to own this property at 10xs what you paid! Keep it up, Im surprised you don't have a million followers, and if you never do who cares😆 cause you own an amazing property!

[@brickandsole]

Awesome comment. Thanks so much for that!

[@fatdynaguy8475]

Its adorable hearing your son making noise in the background!

[@Davett53]

As I have said before, I rented a space in a very old factory building, built between 1900 & 1905, in Columbus, Ohio. I had my Art studio in it, along with 10 other artists. On other floors, there was a couple of commercial photographers, and 2 interior designers. The lower floor/ground floor contained a store that sold art & architecture supplies. We had access to the building 7 days a week & 24 hours a day. The building was approx. 200 foot long, by 40 foot wide, and was 3 stories tall, plus a basement. When it was originally built, it had been 5 stories tall, but in 1905, it relied on the two buildings on either side of it, to support the 5 floor height,....and in the 1940s, the two surrounding buildings were demolished, and the lone, 5 story building, was deemed unstable, so the top two stories were knocked down. In the early 1900s, it housed various small manufacturing companies. No heavy industry. There was a very huge freight elevator in the rear, that was large enough for a VW Beetle to fit into, and a normal sized passenger elevator in the front. Both had primitive closing gates, and fire proof steel doors. One could watch the floors pass by through the openings in wooden and steel grating, that enclosed each elevator on their interiors. Their motors hummed and growled, and sometimes the elevators cars lurched, as they began their ascent and or decent.

[@tete7958]

COOL tour. Loved walking through the building where so many of my family made a living there. Thanks so much!

[@brickandsole]

Oh my, thanks so much. It was a town pillar for so many years. The library invited me to come check out some historical info they have so I'll be doing that in October.

[@sharoncarter6081]

Yes repaint the wall lettering. 😊

[@brickandsole]

It would look pretty cool, I think I am avoiding making that decision.

[@kevinstewart8]

Really like the voiceover format at the beginning. Love the progress man 🤘🤘

[@brickandsole]

Thanks, I need to play with the format, maybe I will do more of that.

[@blipblip88]

Congrats on your new baby and continued good luck on your fun project!

[@brickandsole]

Thanks so much! and thanks for taking the time to send the kind words and the comment. Helps the channel. Cheers!

[@wingerfan1]

A few liability, waivers, and a couple of cold beers in that garbage or practically take it self out lol maybe you should reach out to some dumpster companies and see if they'll sponsor a video but instead of paying, you just provide some dumpsters in exchange for a glowing review. Seriously, though the place is coming along really nice.

[@brickandsole]

I think lots of folks that watch the channel are local so you might be on to something!

[@DannyMac4414]

Doesn’t matter the subscriber count like you mentioned. But the subscribers you do have act as a little hive mind for you which is a great asset. If the channel continues to grow that’s just gravy lol. Keep up the good work man. I’ll be watching and weighing in when able

[@brickandsole]

Thanks Mac. I am just amazed at how big it is now. I never thought anybody would be interested. I guess there is just something about old buildings.

[@DannyMac4414]

One of the other channels I watch, AvE said “make (or do in your case) cool s*** and put it in the internet and people will find it.”

[@Fibertech1992]

As always Chris great video and can just wonder about how many people walked through those doors and throughout the building over the years, so much history indeed. Love watching your videos and as always keep up the great work 🙂

[@brickandsole]

Thank you fibertech. I checked out your channel because your KZbin name sounded interesting. but didn't see any videos. When are you going to start your channel. =)?

[@cynicalbuddha]

Thanks again for the full tour now a year on in. That's going to be an amazing space when finished.

[@brickandsole]

Thanks! I thought It would be harder to stay motivated but it is getting more and more like a hobby and something I look forward to. Hopefully this time next year the pace of the restoration will accelerate.

[@cliffrichardson]

"Learning and growth opportunity." I like that.

[@brickandsole]

This place teaches more in a week that I learned in my last three jobs combined!

[@Davett53]

Cool video! I actually used Google maps etc, early on, to take screen shots of the whole building, overhead and around the sides. I'm an architectural history buff, and regularly document old buildings in Columbus, Ohio where I live, because developers have destroyed all our older buildings, almost none of them are still standing. Also, early on, I looked at several other Buster Brown shoe factories in the "mid-west". And most of them are almost identical to your building.

[@brickandsole]

Oh yeah, they were almost template based it seems. Cool hobby!

[@cokeysnose375]

Im alive just been very busy Mr Jake. I have a big backlog of your videos! Keep working hard, keep the quality, energy and passion alive. Long way to go old man get er done! - Ricky

[@brickandsole]

Oh man, hadn't heard from you last few vids. September is slow upload month but I'll start posting a lot again in October. Gettin er Dunn.

[@suzylarry1]

It is nice to see a SOWs ear turn in a silk...staircase to start , now in the end we/I would like to see a silk purse . Keep going , lots of transformations to go. The first floor where your car was parked , is a great view of "how " things will be as you go . Love it ! out of CAUTION put 2x4 guardrail across the open elevator openings , duedil agents if anyone sneaks in .

[@brickandsole]

There is actually a pull down/overhead door, I just need to pull it down, I got tired of doing it every time, but it is a liability in the up position. You are right.

[@82ndairbornevet]

Nice tour video Chris!

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

Noticed your channel name. I’ve got a few hundred miles running up and down Ardennes myself. AATW

[@82ndairbornevet]

@@HabitualButtonPusher 3/504 PIR

[@brickandsole]

You weren't in the battle of the bulge were You? I'll have to google that range and see what it looks like.

[@brickandsole]

Thanks airborne, I am uploading these pre-recorded things because I am in Poland at the moment. but Oct 2 I will be back to start on some major projects.

[@janice8948]

Thank you for this long vlog 💖💖💖 it was very interesting and answered a lot of questions 💖💖💖 you sure have a LOT of work to accomplish but Rome wasn’t built in a day as they say 💖💖💖 have fun with it and thanks for sharing your journey with us 💖💖💖

[@brickandsole]

Thank you Janice! sometimes I look back and can't believe how much I have done. But the feeling doesn't last long once I think about how much further I have to go!

[@Jennifermcintyre]

Man!! KZbin hasn’t been bringing up your videos in my regular feed!! Really Missed your videos!! Great idea to illustrate the layout and do a walkthrough! I feel like I know the place from all the previous videos and your progress has been outstanding!! I can’t believe you’re still having problems with the kid’s breaking in!! 🤦‍♀️ how frustrating

[@brickandsole]

The break ins are getting fewer and further between. I have a funny video about that to post in October. Press the bell notification button it will ensure you get the alerts. Starting October I will post regularly again. Glad to have you, it's great to have people who comment regularly, feels like I am getting to know new friends.

[@paulascott4841]

I just love looking at the progress😊

[@brickandsole]

Thank you Paula. This fall I hope there will be a big jump as I am going to do some ambitious stuff! stay tuned. And thanks again for the comment!

[@nothanks9184]

And you have a lot of space maybe open up but part of your land and install a playground or basketball court, having more adults and kids using the property respectfully it will become a part of the community people will want to protect and look out for!

[@DOLARHYDE2006]

U did a good job explaining and the overview helped. Pretty amazing really. Keep up the great work, very entertaining.

[@brickandsole]

Thanks Dolarhyde. Unique KZbin handle by the way. Sounds cool.

[@jodirauth8847]

This building is really big and large window openings and great ceiling height. These spaces would be really cool as apartments. With a portion of the building as community spaces. A large entertainment area would really office. You could maybe get a coffee shop that serves breakfast and lunch.

[@brickandsole]

So many people are moving out of Illinois. I was thinking a venue rental for like wedding or something. But need to focus on just getting it to code now.

[@jodirauth8847]

Buster Brown shoes had shops in every town across the greater midwest area, hundreds of stores, maybe thousands of stores. The Buster Brown name was sold to an entity of some kind. You can buy socks labeled as Buster Brown .

[@Farhouse_mess]

I watch every video. I love the building. I respect your diy because we all have to start somewhere. Your goofy enthusiasm. And I personally quite enjoy your face. Just wish a boot company would hit you up!

[@brickandsole]

Very kind of you! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment and the kind words. I think a window company would be even better. LOL>

[@mot322]

Love watching your videos!

[@brickandsole]

Thanks, Appreciate the consistency and comments!

[@rupe53]

I know everyone has a suggestion, but my first thought is the sooner you can get a section cleaned out and ready to be occupied (by someone) the sooner you can have rental income to help with expenses. Self-storage or extra space for another local company could be a start. Also, being occupied will cut down on petty vandalism. BTW, $20k is a nice score for a commercial property.

[@brickandsole]

Thanks, the problem is that the building needs to be up to code before I can do anything at all, and that requires an entire clean out so that wiring, lighting, fire escapes etc. can all be done. I am working on it!!!

[@pactrarc]

great video. Thanks. Been with you since the start. Will keep watching.

[@brickandsole]

Oh man so you have been here over a year. Thats awesome! Thanks!

[@pskully57]

I've been here since I think the beginning, I hope I've had a good suggestion or at least question along the way. It's a lot of fun to watch.

[@brickandsole]

Yeah! its great to start to recognize when people comment regularly. Those are the ones I start to recognize! Thanks so much for the support!

[@DOLARHYDE2006]

You could try making some cheap signs at Kinko's in color, laminate them, warnings or no trespassing, large date, so people know it is a current and occupied. I put up 24 video and audio surveillance signs. Even with no cameras, people will just think twice. 11 x 17 or 12 x 18 and a bunch of 8 x 11. U don't need many, they just need to be placed strategically around. Red background, white lettering, or yellow background and black lettering to really stand out. Cheap, easy to make, durable. All around the building, maybe make a fake business sign and post it on the lawn like some company actually occupies it. Hours, things like that. Private property signs. make up a fake security company sign like the building is being monitored. New signs will usually get people to notice and take note. I always get people reading signs and then checking for cameras around the house. Works with outside contractors too. People think twice when they think they are being watched, doesn't always stop them, but will make some reconsider. Just a thought. It's all about minimizing vandalism. easy to put up and take down as needed.

[@brickandsole]

We actually just put up for of those. But I stayed out of it when the last bunch of kids got caught in there with the help of my new cameras. Since I didn't ask for charges to be dropped, I think word got out because these last 3 or 4 months have been break-in free which is the first time that has happened!

[@cferguson3368]

There is a finish coat that can be painted over the outside factory signs to help preserve them. There are different types to use based on the type of paint & the what it is painted on, brick in your case.

[@brickandsole]

I'll look into that, one side is almost invisible though. You can just barely tell the outline of the letters. I didn't show that side in the video.

[@uncledanthetrainman]

Great video mate. I enjoyed it. Thanks for the map . Good luck in winter we Don’t have them in Australia 👍

[@brickandsole]

Oh man I am sure you have your own critters! There is one problem here. I think I read it is illegal to transplant them, you are supposed to kill them. Which I don't really care to do, so I might have to figure something else out.

[@RoloTomase]

That Fork Lift sure would be handy loading your trash on Dump truck, Theirs several You tubers in Illinois that might be a help getting the thing to run.

[@brickandsole]

I am going to get back to that, I am hoping my uncle will come over and give me a hand, he retired from caterpillar a few years back as a mechanic.

[@moonshinefuel]

Very cool! I'm all for keeping things original, however, I really think with this particular building, I 100% would re-paint the font on the outside. You don't want your building to look abandoned. You want it to look kept up any way possible. If people think it's abandoned and unkept they are more prone to mess with it.

[@moonshinefuel]

To me its not really a good argument to keep it as it is for patina, its like there are some things that need to be addressed on the outside of buildings to get it back to original looking as it was back then. I don't think patina applies here for a reason to leave it as it is and do nothing, do you think when the building was in operation they never repainted them from time to time? I bet they did.

[@moonshinefuel]

Now if you were to change the font or do something like that...yea that would be kind of egregious lol

[@moonshinefuel]

So if someone says patina brah keep it! Say no brah, look at old restored houses... do you think think they keep the same old paint on it that is falling off to preserve patina on an old house they are restoring? No, most actually do not keep the same paint and leave it be, they do re-paint the old house back to original, that's what people want, so it just doesn't apply here to this situation imho.. okay i'll shut up now lol

[@brickandsole]

One thing that really makes me agree with you is that there is a lot of text on the building that is far beyond Patina. It is almost invisible and after a few years it will be too far gone to even know where to paint it back.

[@moonshinefuel]

@@brickandsole Yea and if it looks cared as opposed to abandoned, I mean my concern say if I personally owned such a structure as this is I want to try and reduce vandalism so if it looks abandoned people are more prone to mess with it. The people that want to keep it as it are not the ones that have to deal with all the vandals.

[@henryescat1104]

There is so much stuff in there..I would start a list of things..to sell. I would make a workshop..to set up all those big tools.. I would make a space to store stuff for sale.. A space for wood and building materials.. An office space with a window unit and a fridge.. a sofa.. Ect.. a space for everything..

[@brickandsole]

Hey Henry (I am guessing that's your name from the KZbin handle). You read my mind, my very next video is about just that!

[@bearhardcorepicker]

I think I have two NOS black Bakelite soap dispensers like you have over the sinks in the washrooms. Good-luck with the racoons...had my own go round with a family of porcupines...took me almost two years of deterrents, and eventually had no choice but to employ lethal force on most of them, via a friend. 6 huge porcupines later, the last one took the hint after I trapped him under a washtub, and he dug his way out overnight and finally headed for the hills....but left behind a all too large pile of feces, urine and much destroyed inventory.

[@brickandsole]

And that's all he had to say about that! haha. Man I know your pain.

[@stache1954]

I wore Buster Brown shoes as a child and Pol Parrot. My BB shoes were probably made here as I grew up in Indiana.

[@brickandsole]

Wouldn't that be a crazy thing? There were so many of these bb's around in the small towns. I know of at least 6 or seven within a short drive.

[@stache1954]

I didn't realize there were so many.@@brickandsole

[@Riverwalker44]

Nickel tour? No bro at least a quarter tour 😏. Applause to the progress you’ve made in a year, I think I’d of been throwing buckets through the air out of the sheer mass of dumpster crap you’ve had to deal with. I’m sure some people here remember Norge or Fedders factory in Effingham, in the late 60’s my dad was a foreman in the coil section and I remember he would take me there on a Sunday whenever he wanted to check things out and they had go carts there and I would sit on his lap and we’d zoom around, that’s an early cool memory at 5 yrs old .

[@brickandsole]

Great memories, I have similar one with my grandpa. I didn't know you were local!

[@Riverwalker44]

@@brickandsole I’m down n Flora IL. Not too far

[@brickandsole]

oh yeah, I think you mentioned that once. Or am I mistaken? cool.

[@Davett53]

In 1980 when I began renting my studio, the building was heated by steam, and the boiler still ran on coal. A building caretaker, would come there to stoke the boiler with the coal around 3AM. During the day a coal truck delivered the coal, which was sent down a chute in the side of the building, that went into a basement coal room. There was a "caretakers" apartment, in the basement. A very small room, with a cot, a sink & mirror and a toilet. The caretaker had the whole, huge basement to himself, as very little was stored down there. There had been a 1950s apartment sized refrigerator, and a wooden table with a red checker board patterned table cloth, and two wooden chairs.The concrete floors were painted a dark red, and the walls were white . It was well illuminated by rows of fluorescent, overhead lighting and was cozy warm down there in the winters. It was surprisingly clean and free of cobwebs. The ceiling was tall, too.

[@brickandsole]

Sounds like a really cool space!

[@Davett53]

@@brickandsole Yeah, it was. I only was down there a couple times each year. The other building tenants stowed their outdated shelving & office furniture. I stowed one of my 1950s era, outdoor parking lot, light fixtures, I snagged before it was hauled off to a junkyard. The vacuum-formed plastic shade was 4 ft. in diameter , by 4 ft. tall. It was relatively light weight, but boy was it cumbersome to move around. It took up too much space in my studio. I had yet to figure out how I would incorporate it into one of my sculptures. I had 3 more that were identical, but they were only 3 ft. by 3 ft. I used 2 of them in other sculptures. In one that I actually sold at an art show.

[@SprinklerKid]

fire sprinkler system looks old.... very cool don't see many like this.

[@brickandsole]

yeah it is 1919. Full of rust though, I bet there are 1000 of those sprinkler heads. I see from your KZbin name you probably know a lot about that.

[@kevinganje3356]

Thanks!

[@brickandsole]

Oh my gosh, that is so amazing and humbling. Cheers! Cheers! Cheers!

[@kevinganje3356]

​@@brickandsole You're a cool dude, Chris. I wish I lived closer and could lend a hand. I hope you get many, many more folks saying "Thanks" like that.

[@garypicard9939]

Great tour, If it was me, I'd entertain all offers it will help ease the cost and save product advertisers money on commercial rates. I'd start with dumpster company's. And deal with them for fees for a short name drop will definitely help them, and you. Do honest tool reviews, no bs.

[@brickandsole]

Thanks for the encouragement, I have had a few helpful offers from companies so they will start showing up on the channel from time to time. Cheers!

[@obatore]

This is my favorite video of all of them! Thank you. Any chance of a hidden basement you haven't shown?? Or crawl space..

[@brickandsole]

sadly there isn't one. Unless you count all the groundhog tunnels. =)

[@thethirdrail8397]

I am staying here too! My health has been Becoming worse, since the start of the Injuries! so, I have no Idea how long I may have, but ... I just do not feel Like I have too much time left. and it may be due to the Asbestos, which we had found in our 1964 hotPoint stove/Oven/Hood! I hope I can Beat what ever I have going on, but... I am not sure!

[@brickandsole]

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I promise I am going to get better about masks and personal protective gear. I have a baby that I need to be around for. Really hope your health improves.

[@MK-Farm-Michigan]

We love you, Chris. It's like cleaning up the hoarders' house, Lol. You have made great progress! We are watching the anticipation of great Art. I look forward to the day you bring furniture from Europe to USA. Speaking of 👶 is that yours making noise in the back ground? I definitely would not make them glass windows. Looks like your nephew or dad has been taking care of the lawn for you. Looks good.

[@brickandsole]

Hi Michelle, yeah that's my son Sam. I am in Poland right now so that is why I am only uploading one video a week for the next two weeks. Pre-recorded. But October 2 I'll be back and the content should be pretty good for a while because I have lots of projects that will make a visual impact planned. Also I plan to make an interesting announcement on next weeks video. Stay tuned!

[@jimgoebel8124]

Love this video. Keep at it. Please slow down on your camera movements. No hurry. It makes me dizzy. Keep as much of the original subway tile in the restrooms.

[@brickandsole]

I had that comment a lot in the earlier vids. I did better for a while but it seems I am doing it again. I'll keep it in mind. Thanks for the tip!

[@nothanks9184]

Also maybe you can host open houses on certain days and have people exit through your auction area/store.

[@brickandsole]

Love to do that, but I need to get the building up to code first. At some point it might even be nice enough that an insurance company will insure it. LOL.

[@paulaseiple336]

The diagram was really helpful. Any of the locals know what all the rooms were for?

[@brickandsole]

The library reached out and invited me to stop in they say they have lots of info. I'll share it once I get up there!

[@FD-is1ug]

Have you considered getting in touch with the local schools to make an announcement that you will be holding any kids caught trespassing or doing damage will be held accountable?

[@brickandsole]

I didn't drop charges on the last group, and can you believe it? I haven't had any break ins since. It is a small town. Maybe the word got around the school.

[@txkent]

Thanks for the tour. When I see what the kids continue to do, it infuriates me. What about setting aside some of the first floor for kids activities - sort of a community center, paid for by their volunteer hours and sweat equity? Maybe peer pressure would stop the bad apples from their wanton window breaking and criminal trespass. I assume there is not much in small towns to do for kids.

[@brickandsole]

I would love to do something for the community, arts space or something similar. Got to get the building up to code first, and get it insured. Which is a problem till I do a ton of work. But getting closer every day!~

[@cindybanks6844]

I wonder if you could rent out parking areas to a busy company that comes and goes during the day, would keep the vandalism down

[@brickandsole]

I have a guy that parks a few items there, you might see in the background. But I don't want to go overboard because the city mentioned they didn't want a junk yard there and I'd like to keep them on my side they have been great so far.

[@jodirauth8847]

I was hoping you would find some commercial sewing machines and leather working machines. The machines can be repaired and cleaned up to sell for a profit.

[@brickandsole]

There are old photos of incredible machines in the building. Probably all went to the scrap yard before I bought the building.

[@tbirdracefan]

This was a video I have been waiting for. Even having had the opportunity to see the outside of the building in person, I was having trouble understanding where the different areas were in reference to other spaces. For instance, I was thinking the elevator and stairs were over by the rest room addition. It wasn't till the hallway clean up videos that I realized where that area was. The drawing was very helpful as well. On a different note, what's the story on the boats? Don't think I have seen any shots of them in the videos.

[@brickandsole]

There is a local guy who parks those out there. We made a deal and everybody wins. But I have to keep it small as I want to keep the city on my side.

[@MrJeep75]

That tin room was probably a boiler room or something to do with the water sprinkle system

[@tomrausch7014]

I been thinking of you making a map of the innerds.

[@herbieainsworth4793]

i would leave the white lettering as it is if you paint it would be just letters keep it what is called ghost lettering

[@sparks869]

I agree. Patina looks great. Maybe lightly touch it up down the road if there is risk of it fading completely.

[@herbieainsworth4793]

@@sparks869 always love old mill buildings

[@brickandsole]

Now you guys have me doubting myself! I was leaning toward doing the painting. I guess it doesn't really matter at this point since I don't have a bucket truck yet.

[@brickandsole]

Hey sparks, are you the same sparky that stopped by with new wife to the building lat time? Trying to connect the user name.

[@sparks869]

@@brickandsole Nope. Not me. Just a regular youtube viewer.

[@MrJeep75]

I would be getting that loading dock cleaned out and get a dumpster

[@brickandsole]

yeah I need like 30 dumpsters. But I am saving for my own dump trailer now.

[@immysw7087]

'Shoe String Budget' - pun intended!

[@DOLARHYDE2006]

u really need volunteers and tackle one room at a time with like 20-30 people.

[@brickandsole]

Yeah, I plan to phase that in but I need to get the place a bit reigned in first to reduce the liability.

[@markheld995]

When did the factory shut down

[@brickandsole]

It shut down from Buster Brown in the 80s. Then there were some small business in it most notably a plumbing supply shop for a long time.

[@GrumpyClaus]

The phrase you’re looking for is “loading dock” ( sorry couldn’t resist being a smart a$$) but hanger works for us!

[@brickandsole]

There you have it! Thanks!

[@chevy9256]

Does it have a basement or boiler room ?

[@brickandsole]

It had a pump house outside which is under the ramp now. It was for the water from the huge water tower that has been torn down. The room with the tin walls may have been a boiler room as the radiators in the building were steam. No basement.

[@MrJeep75]

That panneled wall i believe is the location of that picture you don't know where its at

[@MK-Farm-Michigan]

Why don't you put up small of those really small cameras that you control from your phone and set sirens off. Have you talked with your scrap company see if they would bring you a dumpster first weighed empty? Then you could fill up the scrap bin. Have them pick it back up and weigh it again. Then they pay you for the scrap. Then you could go thru building only focusing on scrap that would probably move you along faster to make a dent. Have a contest with your nephew.

[@brickandsole]

You have ESP. I have been considering some product videos, as I am getting more propositions from companies. One is a curious one that I will keep for a reveal on the channel but yesterday I got an offer for some 800 watt speakers. I think it would be great to have Werner Herzog voice come over the speakers and talk about the criminals in their natural environment. Haha. I think I will do that.

[@MrJeep75]

Why did you remove a original part to the building

[@brickandsole]

which part?

[@jodirauth8847]

BTW if you do trap the raccoons in a live trap. Do not touch the cage till you put a covering of some kind over it. Raccoons are very smart animals and will find their way back to this building. You will need to set them loose in rural area no less than 40 miles away.

[@brickandsole]

I think it is illegal to transport transplant them. I need to figure out a plan.

[@bbiskner]

Where did the employees park

[@brickandsole]

I need to find that out. If it was out back in the lot that would be awesome because if I every metal detected I bet I'd find some cool stuff.

[@ivang97997]

Is the fire sprinkler system works?

[@rupe53]

water is turned off so not sure about any plumbing yet.

[@brickandsole]

It was inspected and full of rust, it can't be flushed so it has to go. Priced new sprinkler system a little over 2 dollars per square foot, maybe less since the layout is all mostly open bays. Also found out that I am not required to have one, though it would be dumb not to as the building has old wood floors everywhere.

[@brickandsole]

Going to look into plumbing very soon!

[@rupe53]

@@brickandsole you may want to pose the question to your local fire inspector and an insurance company. Many times, the requirement is based on the type of occupancy.... office, storage, retail, etc. There's also different types of systems. If you plan on unheated sections, there are "dry systems" that won't freeze in the winter. Prices vary depending on system type.

[@kfrdubber]

Curious if there is a room that has nothing but garbage and could be the start Dumpster Fest in 2024?l

[@brickandsole]

There are several rooms with nothing but garbage LOL. I think this spring I am going to try to do something like that.

[@seanhazelwood3311]

Over a year, yet it isn't even emptied yet. Renovating the building is cool, but no work can be done if you're tripping over the junk.

[@brickandsole]

Agreed. About 60% of what was there to begin with is already out. This year hopefully will see the rest gone!

[@mengelman2]

Dont paint. You can never get that patina back

[@brickandsole]

Yeah, that true the only thing that makes me doubt is half of it is almost completely gone.

[@bufords]

I don't think you need to repaint the lettering , just use TSP 50/50 with water, give it a good scrub and rinse. You'd be surprise the amount of pollution that can build up on a building after a 100 years. If you do paint, go with a tinted antique off white. You want to read it but look old.

[@brickandsole]

Nice food for thought. Thanks as always Bufords!

[@brandonedwards6976]

I'd have the kids and maybe the parents work it off. Maybe a hard day of work will make understand what you are doing on this old building.

[@brickandsole]

Yeah, because it is a never ending battle. The problem is that having them work is just more liability for me. Which I definitely don't need. I'll get it sorted at some point. I tell myself.....

[@brandonedwards6976]

Especially with this sue happy society we have become. I liked someone else's idea of a community lunch/ meet and greet, but I don't think that would help either. So fun to watch you work on the old brown shoe factory.

[@thethirdrail8397]

@22:03 what are Udated images? I know, you mean updated, I think unless there is another word Udated....or maybe, you just created a new word, dang...

[@brickandsole]

A bit confused but If I understand right, I meant that I filmed some of this video when some rooms hadn't been cleared, then I posted videos now, it looks like nothing has been down. So updated images meant video showing how it is now. Thats a problem when you don't upload in the same order you record. This one was hard because of the diagram. I kept putting it off.

[@MrJeep75]

All that paneling needs to go

[@brickandsole]

Agreed!!!!!

[@nothanks9184]

You're restoring the building, I see no shame in repainting it or leaving it original. As for your problems with vandalism, I would post more signs generic no trespassing and such but maybe also personal signs explaining your story or linking your KZbin so they can see your story or kids might fear about being put on your channel lol😂

[@brickandsole]

Yeah since I have had cameras, We caught lots of them. The first time I pressed charges it stopped, no break ins for 4 months now! amazing. Small town kids talk. Plus the channel helps!

[@Flower3394]

Now you just need a large dumpster. 😊 pesky kids need to leave the building alone. I would say get no trespassing signs. But kids dont read. Or they take it as a dare.

[@brickandsole]

Oh my gosh flower! I need more than just one dumpster! Lol.

[@MidwestMamasAdventures]

Would animal control help you with the fuzzies? 😂

[@brickandsole]

Well they'd exterminate them I am sure. I'd prefer to encourage them to move on. You don't gotta go home but you can't stay here!

[@robertsmida9601]

The shoe factory I worked at had a basement. They had storage down there, breakroom and even a small office in the basement. It shut down in the early 90's. Now owned by another company that's still in business from my home town. My home town only has 1 traffic light and the USELESS DEMOCRATES even made my school merge with a neighboring school.

[@brickandsole]

There isn't a basement in this building. I wish there was and it was full of old rolling shoe carts. But sadly there isn't one.

[@richardvinsen2385]

Don’t repaint the words on the outside walls. You’ve probably got another 50 years before they completely fade away.

[@brickandsole]

Oh you guys are not making this easy. I waiver and every comment is alternating. I guess I can always paint it in the future once it is basically gone, if I take photos now.

[@richardvinsen2385]

@@brickandsole Unless you hire an artist to repaint the letters, it will never look as good as the old, fading letters.

[@jpstripeit4447]

I've enjoyed your effort but this building has become a indoor dump!