In 1939, the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, erected a huge brick incinerator to dispose of the city's trash. It was only in operation for a year before they passed an ordinance prohibiting trash burning within the city limits. So the building was abandoned, unused for decades. Nature took over, until the building was barely visible. In 1979, artist Ron Fleming discovered it.
Fleming spent several months trying to persuade city officials to auction the building, and they finally did a year later -- without notifying Fleming.
"They only received one bid from a man who put in $500 just to tear it down for the bricks," he said.
Fortunately, Fleming was able to persuade the city to reject the bid and auction the building again in 1981. This time, he won with a $5,400 bid.
"I took a shot in the dark on the price," he said. "I had no idea what it was worth."
Fleming and his wife went to work making the incinerator a home and a glorious piece of art. The building, now on the historical register, has plenty of light, open spaces, and modern amenities, while still retaining its historical quirkiness. After his wife died, Fleming decided to sell his masterpiece. The Incinerator House can be yours for $275,000. See a gallery of images at the real estate listing. It has four stories, 14 rooms, three bedrooms and three bathrooms. And look at the size of those chimneys! -Thanks, hearsetrax!