I wrote this out for a number of reasons, including that you're going to go anyway, so it might as well be a pleasant experience, and that I think as many people as possible should see what we had, and see the potential that exists within decay.
All I ask for this is that you be respectful, be aware of your surroundings and the repercussions of your actions, and that you be polite to anyone you run into, whether they're an urban spelunker or someone trying to get out of the cold. Have fun, Be safe, and be realistic.
- The rape capital bullshit is just that. While it is in a bad neighborhood, no more bad things happen at MCS than anywhere else. I can tell you that although I've seen spraypaint and paintballs everywhere, and destruction everywhere, I have never seen ANY signs of actual violence, from the basement all the way to the rooftop.
- YOU ARE TRESSPASSING. Know this fact, accept the risks of getting caught before you leave the house.
- The ideal time is in the MORNING. First, bums, drunks, assholes, and cops are pretty low-key in the morning, since the night is when everything goes down. Also, SUNDAY morning is the best, for the same reason.
- While I have occasionally met people inside the building, they've never been scary (college students, almost always), and it has been very rare. It gets regular traffic for certain (just look at those footprints in the snow in my photos). One bum used to frequent it, but I've heard he doesn't anymore, and I've never met him personally. (he was cool, according to the stories of a friend of mine who went before I started)
- Take no less than one person, no more than four people. If you think people are going to get rowdy, take no more than 3. One person in case you fall (it is in disrepair, after all), no more because you're more noticeable. If they aren't going to show respect for other people you might run into (be it homeless, cop, or suburbanite wimp), leave them at home. If they're going to make a spectacle and get you caught, leave them at home. If they're afraid of their shadow, for god's sake leave them at home, because you'll be dragging them around the whole time (trust me on that one)
- Park by the SIDE, not in front. I suggest on the left side, on the side street that usually has semi trailers. Available for a quick retreat, but out of the way.
- If you really don't want people knowing you are there, talk, DON'T SHOUT. Voices really carry in an empty, giant concrete building, all the way outside. SixA: Step back from the windows. There's nothing wrong with looking out them, or even going out to the ledge on the second-to-top floor, just don't stay there, and keep a sharp eye out for popo's or other traffic. Same goes with the roof, if you're willing to brave the scary staircase: sit with your feet off the edge, if you're brave enough, but don't make a spectacle, or you'll get caught.
- Behind the train station are construction workers and people who work for the newly-functioning train track line to canada. Don't fuck with them, don't let them know you're there. Maybe they could give a shit, or maybe they'll phone it in to securite, who has a trailer-office on the west side. Watch out for that office as well, it does have windows.
- Take a lunch, and take some time to sit down quietly and experience the building. SHOW RESPECT. Millions of people have passed through that building, from its inception in the 1910's on to today, and you can feel the presence of all that history, if you try. Look for things like rusted pencil sharpeners, shattered porcelain toilets, old (destroyed) neon signs, and the dirt track where the bar used to be.
- Take a flashlight, you're bound to run into areas you can't see in, such as the basement. Don't be flip about it though, it's just another way you can be noticed. If you don't feel intimidating, consider bringing pepper spray or something legal but intimidating, however I've NEVER run into anyone sketchy. Don't jump at the sound of birds shitting, but "Just-In-Case" is an excellent policy.
- Wear comfortable, low-key clothing. This is not the time to wear your asspants and clogs, or 150 dollar shoes. Likewise, don't wear your leather with spikes, you'll just look like an asshole begging for a fight. If you do run into someone, they'll take one look at you and gauge how to treat you.
There are holes in the fence on the east side and the west side of the building. East side is visible by people working on the train tracks, and comes with a long jog before the doorway. West side is visible by the security trailer (!), but has a very short run into the doorway, which leads into the basement.
I'd love to hear stories from anyone who takes my advice, feel free to email me at atdt 1991 @h otmai l.com (nospaces). I've shot a music video in the train station, which turned out pretty sweet, I have to say.
PS the first person to take me there was a girl, and she had been going (alone, sometimes) long before I'd heard of the place. Who says bubba doesn't want to rape you, tough guy?
Please do not copy this, consider it copyright 2004 Skennedy. Link to it, instead.