6 Famous Landmarks from the 60s, 70s, and 80s That Have Disappeared

When you think about landmarks from the past, it’s easy to feel a wave of nostalgia.

The 60s, 70s, and 80s were full of places that captured the spirit of their times, from bustling streets to iconic entertainment spots. This article will take you on a trip down memory lane, exploring six famous landmarks from those decades that have unfortunately disappeared.

Remember how cities used to be filled with distinct places that you couldn’t wait to visit? Each of these landmarks had its own story, connecting you to a unique piece of history.

As you read, you’ll not only recall these lost icons but also understand why they mattered so much.

Table of Contents

1) Pruitt-Igoe Housing Complex

The Pruitt-Igoe Housing Complex was a large public housing project in St. Louis, Missouri.

Built in the 1950s, it was intended to provide affordable housing.

At first, it was seen as a model for modern living.

The buildings were named after Wendell O. Pruitt and William Igoe.

They provided over 1,700 units for families.

Over time, though, things went wrong.

The complex became notorious for crime and poor living conditions.

By the 1970s, the Pruitt-Igoe buildings were declared uninhabitable.

They were demolished in the mid-1970s.

Today, Pruitt-Igoe is often used as a case study in urban planning failures.

2) MGM Grand Hotel and Casino (1973)

The MGM Grand Hotel and Casino opened in December 1973 and quickly became a standout on the Las Vegas Strip.

You couldn’t miss its grand appearance and the sheer size of the place, from the sprawling casino to the super fancy restaurants like Gigi’s and Barrymore’s.

Back then, it was the largest hotel in the world, which made it a real landmark.

Imagine a casino the size of three football fields! That’s how big it was.

It was known for its luxury and style, with chandeliers and lavish decor everywhere you looked.

The MGM Grand was more than just a place to gamble.

You could dine at high-end gourmet restaurants and enjoy top-notch shows and entertainment.

Everything about it screamed class and sophistication.

In 1980, a devastating fire changed everything.

It caused major damage and led to the deaths of many people.

After the fire, parts of the hotel were rebuilt and reopened, but the original MGM Grand Hotel would never be the same.

Later on, the hotel was sold and renamed Bally’s Las Vegas.

Although the name changed, folks still remember the original MGM Grand as an iconic part of Las Vegas history.

3) The London Astoria

You might remember The London Astoria, a famous music venue that was a staple during the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

It hosted big-name bands and emerging artists, creating memories for countless fans.

Located in the heart of London, you could find The Astoria near Tottenham Court Road.

The building had a rich history.

Originally, it was a theater when it first opened in the 1920s.

Later, it was converted into a cinema.

By the 1980s, it had become one of London’s top spots for live music.

The venue was small but packed with character, making every concert feel personal.

You probably wouldn’t find a lot of fancy amenities here.

It was all about the music and the experience.

Legendary bands like Nirvana, Foo Fighters, and Radiohead rocked its stage.

Sadly, The London Astoria closed its doors in 2009.

It was demolished to make way for the Crossrail project, a new rail transport service.

Fans still remember it fondly, along with the amazing shows they saw there.

4) Chicago’s Cabrini-Green

You might have heard of Cabrini-Green, one of Chicago’s most infamous public housing projects.

Built between 1942 and 1961, it originally aimed to provide affordable housing for the working poor.

It included high-rise buildings and row houses located on Chicago’s Near North Side.

During the 1960s and 70s, Cabrini-Green became known for its problems with crime and poverty.

Despite these issues, it remained a community for many families.

The complex even survived the 1968 riots after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination with only minor damage.

By the first decade of the 21st century, Cabrini-Green was undergoing major changes.

The city of Chicago implemented the Plan for Transformation, a $1.5 billion project that led to the demolition of many of the high-rise buildings.

Mixed-income housing was built in their place to revitalize the area.

Today, few traces of the original Cabrini-Green remain.

The last high-rise was demolished in 2011, altering the skyline and the community forever.

You can still find some row houses, but the landscape has vastly changed.

This change shows a significant shift from its original purpose, reflecting broader changes in urban housing policies and development strategies.

5) Galactica roller coaster at Denis Pottery’s Leisure World

You might remember Denis Pottery’s Leisure World.

It was a vibrant amusement park back in the day.

One of its standout attractions was the Galactica roller coaster.

When you rode Galactica, you felt like you were flying.

The coaster had you lying face-down, giving you that incredible sensation.

It zoomed close to the ground and weaved through tight spaces.

The roller coaster was ahead of its time.

It offered an exciting experience that kept visitors coming back.

Kids and adults alike loved the thrilling ride.

Sadly, Denis Pottery’s Leisure World closed its doors.

With that, Galactica was dismantled.

This iconic ride is now just a memory for those who enjoyed its unique thrills.

6) Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall went up in 1961 and stood for almost 30 years.

It split Berlin into East and West, a physical reminder of the Cold War.

The East Side Gallery is one part of the Wall you can still see.

It’s famous for its murals, painted by artists from around the world.

People in East Berlin couldn’t cross to the West.

The Wall had barbed wire, guard towers, and concrete barriers.

Many tried to escape, but it was very risky.

Over time, the Wall became a symbol of division.

People on both sides painted graffiti and art, expressing their hopes and frustrations.

The Wall fell in 1989, signaling the end of the Cold War.

Today, pieces of it remain as memorials and tourist attractions.

Visiting Berlin, you can see parts of the Wall and learn about its history.

It’s a powerful reminder of a time when the world was very different.

Cultural Significance

The landmarks from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s not only represented architectural feats but also embodied the cultural shifts of their times.

Historical Context

During the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, society underwent major changes.

The civil rights movement, anti-war protests, and the rise of new music genres like rock and disco shaped much of the cultural landscape.

San Francisco, for example, was a hub of counterculture, symbolized by landmarks in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.

The “Summer of Love” in 1967 saw communal sit-ins and demonstrations, heavily influencing public consciousness.

In the 1970s, this trend continued with the spread of progressive ideals.

Structures like New York’s iconic Studio 54 encapsulated the era’s vibrant nightlife and social freedoms.

The club’s cultural impact went beyond parties, shaping fashion and societal norms.

The ’80s saw a blend of technology and culture, highlighted by sites such as Atari’s headquarters, which became emblematic of the burgeoning tech industry.

These places were not just buildings; they held significant cultural weight and influence.

Impact on Architecture

The architectural styles of these decades reflected and influenced the social revolutions of the time.

In the ’60s, designs were often bold, with inventive shapes and bright colors that broke away from traditional forms.

These structures were statements against the old norms, mirroring the push for civil and social rights.

By the ’70s, architecture embraced materials like glass and steel, projecting a sense of openness.

These materials represented the era’s progressive mindset and desire for transparency in both politics and daily life.

Think of places like the geodesic domes designed by Buckminster Fuller, which were innovative and futuristic.

In the ’80s, the rise of postmodernism brought a mix of historical references and contemporary flair.

Buildings often featured playful elements and vibrant designs as seen in places like the once-bustling shopping centers and entertainment complexes that defined suburban life.

This interplay between architecture and culture highlights how buildings serve not just functional purposes but also as reflections of broader societal changes.

Disappearance and Preservation Efforts

Throughout the decades, many famous landmarks from the 60s, 70s, and 80s have disappeared for various reasons, while others faced challenges in preservation.

Understanding these factors can offer insights into how some iconic structures vanished.

Reasons for Demolition

There are many reasons why once-famous landmarks were demolished.

One major factor is urban development.

Cities constantly evolve, and older buildings often make way for new constructions.

Another reason is economic pressures.

Maintaining and restoring ancient landmarks can be expensive.

If the cost outweighs the perceived benefits, demolition becomes a feasible option.

Lastly, natural disasters can lead to destruction.

Earthquakes, floods, and fires can severely damage these structures, making them unsafe or too costly to restore.

Preservation Challenges

Preserving old landmarks isn’t easy.

One big challenge is securing funding.

Restoration projects can be costly, and finding sponsors or government grants can be difficult.

Legal issues can also play a role.

Sometimes, there are disputes over ownership or disagreements on how a landmark should be restored or used.

Finally, public support can be a challenge.

If the community doesn’t see value in preserving a landmark, it becomes harder to justify keeping it intact.

Awareness and advocacy are crucial for garnering support and ensuring preservation efforts succeed.