Austin's legendary "Cathedral of Junk" is closing its doors after city officials demanded that the 33-foot folk art tower be modified to meet safety requirements. The structure is made of discarded items such as TVs and furniture and was so popular it was listed in Roadside America. So much for the slogan "Keep Austin Weird."
The owner, Vince Hannemann, has decided that altering the 60-ton structure to bring it into compliance with demands made by Austin city officials has altered the unique character of the piece and further modifications will destroy it completely.
Mr. Hannemann commented that the changes he has made in pursuit of city approval have already the rendered the structure a "Junkhenge."
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-32018-Strange--Mysterious-Facts-Examiner~y2010m6d16-Austins-Cathedral-of-Junk-to-close
From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by Doctor Zom.
Anyone who has ever climbed around in the Cathedral knows that it is incredibly sound, and poses little danger. Even if it did, I would really love it if my city would let me take the occasional risk and play where I please.
This is not the city that I moved to twelve years ago.