A Look Inside a Rare 1899 Brick Mansion Designed to Endure

Urban explorer and photographer Leland Kent, known for the project Abandoned Southeast, has spent years documenting forgotten buildings throughout the American South. One of his most compelling finds is a large brick mansion constructed in 1899 for Robert H. Moulthrop, a former Alabama state senator associated with education reform. Though long abandoned, the home still stands out for its scale and craftsmanship, offering a rare window into the ambitions of a past era.

Architecturally, the mansion blends elements of Imperial Revival and Queen Anne design. A prominent turret once provided sweeping views of the surrounding land, while decorative brick patterns and tall windows suggest the elegance the home originally displayed. With five bedrooms and expansive common areas, the residence was clearly designed for both family living and formal gatherings. Even after decades of neglect, its presence remains striking.

The building’s longevity is largely due to the quality of its construction. The Moulthrop family operated a major brick manufacturing business, and the mansion reflects that expertise. In several sections, exterior walls measure up to six bricks thick, allowing much of the structure to remain standing. The columned veranda, though weathered, still demonstrates the strength of the materials used.

Inside, the condition is far more fragile. Collapsed ceilings, scattered debris, and damaged fireplaces reveal years of exposure. Warped walls and unsafe floors show how quickly interiors can deteriorate without maintenance. Owned by the family until the 1980s, the mansion now stands as a quiet reminder of both architectural ambition and the passage of time.