Last gasp.

The New Windsor Hotel in downtown Phoenix, AZ is the last 19th century hotel still operating in the city.

Built in 1893 at the corner of Adams and 6th Avenue, it’s a sad sight today and you can only think the wrecker’s ball beckons. But there are signs of its former glory galore, and the architecture is a throwback to a gentler time.

You can read more of the hotel’s history here.

In 1981 the Chicago rock group Styx released a double album, Paradise Theater, which chronicles the rise, fall and abandonment of a fabulous theater in Chicago, an homage to changing times and the demise of the American downtown. The art work on the large 12″ LP sleeves was exceptional:

The music is as haunting as the art work and I flashed back to that album when snapping the above.

Nikon F100, Kodak Ektar at 160ASA, 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 AFD Nikkor zoom.