Camden

There's a lot of Camden to do in Camden, NJ if you are interested in the exploration of deteriorating storefronts and business districts. I have never been there personally, but what I gather, it's a scary place. Home to the Campbell Soup Company, Camden's population is 77,000, down from a high in 1950 of around 125,000. The largest employers in the first half of the 20th century were Campbells, RCA Victor, and the shipyards. But racial tension, extremely high crime, loss of industry, and government corruption (three mayors have been convicted on corruption charges) has made Camden a city in decline.

Here are some Google Streetview images from the Bergen Square neighborhood.

There once was life on this block...

Maybe it's the lighting, but this row of storefronts seems bleak and threatening.

At least one shop seems to be doing well....

In better lighting, it's easier to see the potential of this strip.

I find this building interesting. It is so anonymous, yet, the cornices maintain a certain charm. I wonder what is behind that door.

For sale. Cheap. Needs TLC.

Katz's stands alone amongst the urban prairie. Once can only now imagine what this block was like when it was complete. Now, Katz just seems lonely.