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Unfinished, Forgotten, and Postponed: The 8 Biggest Failed Construction Projects

September 29, 2019 by Andee Brooker

8 Major Failed Construction Projects

Those in the construction industry know that projects encounter obstacles every day. Some projects come to a crashing halt, and some projects, never end. Click through to check out 8 of the most notable forgotten, postponed, and failed construction projects around the world.

The New South China Mall

Set in China’s Guangdong province, the New South China Mall was set to be the world’s largest retail mall. Yet, despite the modernistic design and incredible amusement park, the project was deserted due to a lack of retailer interest. However in 2015, CNN reported that the mall has undergone some extensive remodeling and foot traffic has picked up. Photo courtesy of New South China Mall

Basilica Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia

This ancient gothic church is rumored to have been under construction since 1882! Construction went on until 1936 when the Spanish Civil War hit. It remained an abandoned construction project for a few years before work was resumed. The current architect on the job, Mark Burry, expects it to be complete circa 2026.Photo courtesy of Danil Sorokin

American Dream Meadowlands

Deemed a “retail and entertainment complex,” this mall in New Jersey was supposed to feature a waterpark and an indoor winter wonderland. However, due to numerous financial issues, the project was handed from one developing firm to another. The project was close to being demolished at several points but in July of 2017, the project was picked up yet again by another developing firm. Photo courtesy of Triple Five Group

The Ryugyong Hotel

One of the most notable unfinished construction projects, the Ryugyong Hotel in North Korea was supposed to be the tallest hotel in the world. However, due to numerous roadblocks and obstacles, the project quickly turned into a large money-pit and was abandoned in the early 90’s. Photo courtesy of Guangzhou Baiyun Chemical Industry Co.

Wonderland Park

The sign “enter at your own risk” looms above the entrance of this abandoned amusement park. The project is located in a town 20 miles outside of Beijing called Chenzhuang. Work on the park was halted in 1998 due to disagreements between the local government and the farmer owned property. Photo courtesy of Reuters/David Gray

Ajuda National Palace

This royal palace is best known for its longevity in terms of unfinished work. With construction beginning in 1796, financial roadblocks and numerous wars led to the project being put on hold for over 200 years! Tourists now can visit the monument to marvel at what has been done.

Cincinnati Subway, Cincinnati

Built during The Great Depression, this subway station in Ohio is considered “one of the city’s biggest embarrassments”. The station went completely unused, not one train passed through! Today tourists and locals alike can tour the underground premises and glimpse one of America’s most notable abandoned construction projects. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Warren

Hassan Tower

In Morocco, this unfinished mosque was intended to have one of the world’s largest minarets (a tall slender tower) when construction began in 1195. However, construction was halted for reasons not explicitly known. It now serves as a tourist destination.

Failed Construction Projects: Conclusion

You’ve stepped through the top 8 unfinished, forgotten, and postponed projects around the globe. Interested in more slideshows? Check out The 7 Greatest Construction Flops!

Categories: Australia, More, Slideshows

Andee Brooker

Andee Brooker is a Communications Specialist at Procore Technologies where she has covered the construction industry since 2017 for Procore Technologies' news platform, Jobsite U.S., Canada and Australia.

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