15 Historic Buildings That Got Repurposed Into Something Totally Unexpected
As the old saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. And nowhere is that more true than in the world of real estate. Indeed, while some will see a dilapidated old building as something that needs to be put out of its misery and torn down, others will see it as an opportunity to show off their restoration skills. From churches transformed into skate parks to telephone boxes converted into libraries, here’s a look at 15 past-their-prime properties that were given a new lease of life.
1. Water park: Used to be a blimp hangar
Located in the German town of Krausnick, this imposing-looking building once played a vital military role. Yes, the hangar — which is roughly 210 meters wide, 360 meters long, and an incredible 107 meters tall — was once a Soviet Union air base.
And its main purpose was to store airships which had been specifically created to move cargo across long distances. The only type of transport you’ll find in there now, though, is the rubber dinghy.
Fake beach
That’s right: the Brand Cargolifter Halle — large enough that one of America’s greatest landmarks, the Statue of Liberty would fit inside — is now a fun-for-all-the-family water park. The dramatic change was made in 2004 and since then, thousands of people have flocked to this unusually located getaway.
The park, which is actually named Tropical Islands, boasts a fake beach, water slide, sauna, lagoon, and an adventure park as well as offering evening entertainment and both budget and high-end accommodation.
2. Skate park: Used to be a church
The Santa Barbara Church had been a fixture of Llanera, a village in the northern part of Spain, since way back in 1912. As you would expect, it was first used as a chapel, but specifically for those who worked at the local munitions factory and those who resided close by.
But this particular workplace ended up closing down during the final stages of the country’s civil war. Then, nearly a century after it was first built, the church was repurposed for something a little less holy.
Halfpipes and ramps
Yes, we can’t remember anything in the Bible about halfpipes and ramps. But that’s exactly what you’ll find now in this former place of worship. In 2007 a businessman named Ernesto Fernandez stumbled across the building while trying to source a new business park for nearby factories.
Thanks to the help of various private investors and some skateboarding enthusiasts, the entrepreneur was eventually able to convert the property into a skate park, an idea sparked by the global financial crisis.