Cathedral of Junk creator calls it quits

By: Bob Robuck

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The Cathedral of Junk sits behind a South Austin home and has delighted thousands for over 20 years.

Back in March, the City of Austin cited cathedral owner Vince Hannemann for code violations, and he was forced to change things up.

"It's not the Cathedral of Junk anymore. It used to be the ultimate tree house. You used to be able to get up in it with all kinds of different levels. It was a lot more fun," he said.

To comply with code, Hannemann had to move, remove, add, chop off and lower so many pieces of the cathedral that it no longer resembled his vision.

He also had to ban people from going inside or climbing on it.

"The whole back staircase is all gone. You can't get to the top. All the walkways, what people called the bridge, is all gone. The Heart Tower that was next to the fence is gone," Hannemann said.

Out of frustration, he’s decided to close the venue for good. (Story continues after slideshow.)

Hannemann’s friends have helped him get the cathedral up to code. An attorney offered pro bono help, and an admirer even launched a 'Save the Cathedral' campaign.

Despite those efforts, the city requires more alterations in order to obtain a building permit.

"I've tried to support Vince as much as possible, and it's incredibly stressful. It's not the kind of thing that most people would ever be prepared for," friend Bob Ratliff said.

He hopes to dismantle enough of the cathedral so the city will deem the display as yard art and not a building.

Hannemann will lend a piece of the cathedral to the Lady Bird Wildflower Center. They plan to put it up for display in September.

Artist Statement

To all the people who have helped try and save the Cathedral of Junk; to the people who laid on hands, brought cases of water, sandwiches, tacos, power bars and other food; to the people who wrote the mayor and turned up to the Spider House benefit; to the unknown people who left art in the front yard or shoved money under my door; to the lawyers, and to both architect and engineer; to the core volunteer team; to the people who have showered me with love and help: I thank you.

Your efforts have helped soothe my bruised heart. Nevertheless, I feel obligated to tell you that our efforts have been in vain. The City has made me alter the Cathedral so much that little of its original charm is left. They are still wanting a building permit for what is left. Therefore, I will be continuing to dismantle what remains. Also, visitors will be turned away. Thank you everyone. It's a sad day for me, but much more so for Austin and, by proxy, the world.

Yours gratefully,
Vince Hannemann, AKA “Junk King"