I wanted to share with you the following article that was published by WKTV:

UTICA, N.Y. – A group of 10 urban explorers from SUNY Polytechnic Institute released a trailer for their documentary on the abandoned Charles Town USA mall.

The structure, located on the county line between Utica and Frankfurt, has received extensive water and fire damage, as well as heavy vandalism.

“Charles Town USA is an incredible structure that has stood the test of time” filmmaker Scott Murray says. “The ruins of the building speak volumes, a tribute to the rise and fall of the industrial era of the 20th century."

Urban Exploration, or “Urbex,” is "the exploration of manmade structures, usually abandoned ruins.”  “Take only pictures, leave only memories” is the golden rule of the hobby, according to their press release.

Abandoned Works Urban Exploration was created by students attending SUNY Polytechnic Institute, but is not officially affiliated with the college. The group has plans to explore and document similar ruins throughout the state.

“It’s amazing to see how these old structures continue to stand as history writes itself,” said Urban Explorer Nate Mitts. “It's a step into the past.”

Pictures and video from the trip can be found on the group’s Facebook page.

View the trailer here.

By Christy Landry-Pitcher Dec. 14, 2015