Cathedral of Junk Gets Permit

The Cathedral of Junk is just one of the many things contributes to Austins weirdness. You can argue that it is an just a pile of trash or artwork but this unusual heap of junk has been a local attraction for over a two decade. Owner Vince Hannamann, was faced with city ordinance in March of this year to close the attraction to the public because it was not up to safety standards.

The cathedral attracts over 10,000 visitors a year. Fans of the cathedral made a facebook page titled Save the Cathedral of Junk, and strangers and friends helped Hannemann get the cathedral to meet city code.

After six months of alterations Hannemann finally managed to get the structure up to code. In order to meet safety standards Hannemann had to remove over 30 tons of junk. However, there is still over 40 tons of junk left for visitors to admire. One of the biggest changes to the cathedral was the tower of debris which now is no closer than five feet from other properties and can withhold 32,000 pounds.

Though I have never personally seen the catherdal, the pictures are enough to catch my attention. This summer when I found out that the cathedral was closed to the public, I was kicking myself for missing out on the opportunity. The essence of a piece of artwork that practically defines Austin is something everyone who wants to see should get a chance to. Although I am still a little disappointed that I did not get to experience the backyard artwork in all its glory, I am still glad I will have a chance to check it out.

There has been some disapproval from neighbors who feel that the attraction is nothing more than junk that causes traffic in the neighborhood A person against the cathedral of junk left the following comment on the statesman.com story under the user name itscalledthinking.

"Quick! Before you can't crawl through it anymore someone go there, crawl in, and "get" injured...sue the guy and 'viola' - you have a new house in south Austin.
Or better yet - sneak in there with a wire snips. Looks like a pile of crap to me. What, too cheap to pay the junk-man to come haul away your trash? Of course once it piles up long enough it becomes "art". Maybe he should claim it as a historical landmark, then get money from the city to move it to that new "park" the city designated last week?"

I would disagree with these neighbors and remind them that innovative ideas such as this are what keeps Austin quirky and unique. Check it out and give me your feedback on what you think? Artwork or eyesore, junk or treasure?

 If you are interested in seeing the Cathedral of Junk it is open to the public during daylight hours, located at 4422 Lareina Drive, Austin, TX.