A Glimpse Inside Detroit’s Closed Chi-Chi’s Strip Club

Why are abandoned buildings so creepy looking?

What becomes of a building when its business shutters for good? Depending on the situation, it might be repurposed, demolished, or left to decay into an eerie relic of its former self. The abandoned Chi-Chi’s strip club on Harper Avenue in Detroit offers a fascinating glimpse into what happens when a business closes, and time stands still.

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The former Chi-Chi's strip club on Harper Avenue in Detroit first opened up in 1971.  After 42 years in business, Chi-Chi's Lounge closed in 2013.  Now, more than 10 years later, the building remains a haunting reminder of its vibrant past.

I'm always blown away and want to know more when I see an abandoned building that still has "artifacts" left behind. Almost as if they closed up for the night and then the zombie apocalypse hit so no one ever returned. This place has that same vibe. Sure it has nine years of abandonment scars, but overall doesn't look too bad for the situation.

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The tables, drinks, bottles, and even a big ole pair of stripper heels are still in place from the last night of debauchery to take place there.

I've also been to a lot of strip clubs during my time in radio and this has to be one of the smallest stages and/or strip clubs I have ever seen.

I also feel bad for whoever decided to polish off that bottle of Island Punch Pucker. I promise you that they hated themselves in the morning.

The TV's are still in the building as well.

Bottles of booze were also left behind. You can see a deck of cards on the bar as well. Let's be honest, it couldn't have been that great of a strip club when you are playing solitaire at the bar.

While this is the smallest strip club I have ever seen, it is definitely not the scariest one I have ever seen.

Big thanks to Detroit Unseen for the photos!