Urbexing 2021 - US Steel: Joliet Iron Works - Joliet, IL - 12/9/21

INTRO:
One of the few urbexing adventures left here in Chicagoland is the former Joliet Iron Works, formerly owned by US Steel, was once a spotlight in manufacturing but has now become a blight sight for downtown Joliet, although it has remained historic according to archives, much of this property is now abandoned.

SUMMARY:
The Joliet Iron & Steel Works began production in 1869 and shut down completely in 1936. The plant was designed to be a "Bar Mill" Due to its convenient geographic location. The plant was and still stands along the banks of the Des Plaines River. Much like today's steel mills, the plant eventually became unprofitable, therefore forcing layoffs and closing the plant in more favorable conditions 30 miles eastward in Gary, Indiana. the Iron Works here is listed under the NRHP (National Register of Historic Places) The Will County Forest Preserve District currently owns half of this land and continues to preserve its existence by leaving what used to be Coke Ovens, much has been demolished but the foundations of the structures remain in tact and untouched.

CURRENTLY: Some of this property has undergone renovations in the last decade. new aluminum siding and roofing for example