Retail

Sears' Former World Headquarters Is Now In Ruins

Ashley Lutz

2014-11-21T20:06:00Z

These buildings were the headquarters of Sears, Roebuck and Co., America's greatest retailer for seven decades.

Sears tested its products and printed the famous catalog in the complex just outside Chicago.

But in 1974, the company moved to the Sears Tower and these buildings were left deserted for 30 years. In that time, Sears went from being on top of the world to being one of the most distressed American brands.

While developers used some of the site to build the Homan Square area in Chicago, some buildings still remained empty and are considered historical landmarks.

Local photographer Martin Gonzalez took eerie photographs from inside the old headquarters. Despite the decay, many signs of the office life remain.

Sears' Former World Headquarters Is Now In Ruins

The old Sears towers are just outside Chicago.

The grounds are unkempt and deserted.

The complex is located on Homan Avenue just outside Chicago.

The old Sears headquarters hasn't been occupied since 1974.

The office is now totally falling apart.

Here's the view of Chicago seen from one of the rooms. The window has been knocked out.

These halls used to house thousands of employees.

This old newspaper article about Sears is still there.

The hallways are empty and deserted.

Here's the old punch clock where employees recorded their shifts.

The old fluorescent lights are rusted over.

Here's a stairway, with the old signage intact.

These orange office chairs are very 70's.

People used to come to Chicago to tour the building.

Parts of the complex are marked as historical landmarks. Others will be developed into condos.

The roof is decaying.

Here's the women's restroom.

The ceilings are decayed.

Thousands of people used to work in the complex.

The old office furniture is still there and intact.

Here's a map of the floor showing fire exits.

The old elevators still stand.

These fire escape signs look vintage.

Here's the old paint factory, now covered in graffiti.

Here's an old chair with some employee literature.

You've seen the old Sears building....

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