Untapped Contributor: Will Ellis of AbandonedNYC

Every week, we highlight one of our 300+ Untapped Cities contributors worldwide. This week, we’re featuring Will Ellis, an Untapped columnist and the explorer behind Abandoned NYC.

What’s your “day job”?

I work as a freelance photographer/videographer/editor and do some teaching, but my labor of love is photographing and researching New York City’s abandoned places for my blog, Abandoned NYC.

What’s your favorite Untapped spot in your city?

If we’re talking abandoned buildings, it has to be P.S. 186 in Harlem.

Favorite piece you’ve written for Untapped?

Though it isn’t the most spectacular place I’ve written up for Untapped, the Baseball Graveyard has a special place in my heart, since I came across it by chance and haven’t been able to find any other mention of it online. There are so few truly undiscovered places in this city.

What’s your favorite Untapped place you’ve visited while traveling? Where do you want to visit next?

Just saw Yosemite for the first time in June which was unforgettable, but wouldn’t qualify it as “untapped.” The Sutro Baths in San Francisco were another highlight of that trip. I usually go for the natural world over cities when I travel–looking to check out Acadia National Park in the fall.

What’s your favorite obscure fact about your city?

Barren Island/Dead Horse Bay is a treasure trove of obscure facts (not to mention actual buried treasure.) In 1909, the area was infested with 1,000 wild hogs!

Craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Wading through the East River to get inside the Domino Sugar Refinery, and destroying a brand new iPhone in the process.

Best Celebrity Sighting?

Louis C.K. mesmerized by a Lion Dance performance at the Children’s Museum of the Arts.

What are some of your favorite websites?

Am I boring if I say the New York Times? That’s what I turn to when the internet gets me down.

Get in touch with Will @abandonednyc. Join our community of Untapped Cities contributors around the world by contacting us here.