Iama guy who purchased a 380 acre ‘ghost town’ with a friend. It once was California’s largest silver mine, has a population of 4500, and was known to have a murder a week. Currently it has a population of 1. AMA

Will you guys be reimplementing the weekly murders?

Given the current population, I believe that would be called suicide and I absolutely do not want that. Robert is the best thing about the place

Could dramatically improve crime rates next year. I’ve done the maths.

This guy maths

Do you wear a top hat and tails and a sash with ‘MAYOR’ on it and set up mannequins on the street and give bombastic speeches from a balcony of the saloon? Because that’s what I would do.

Every day at noon

Have you ever had a disagreement with your business partner, looked him dead in the eye and told him, "This town isn't big enough for the both of us..."?

This is the best thing to come of the AMA. We'll be on the hill next week. I'll let you know how it goes

Are you going to make Westworld?

It's been discussed...

In all seriousness an immersive theater experience would be super cool. For example https://www.thespeakeasysf.com

For sure! Or sleep no more style

How much did the town cost, and who is the solitary resident?

$1.4MM

The town's one resident is named Robert. Robert originally came to the town 21 years ago to mine the town. He read about it in a mining trade magazine.

When he arrived the former owner was sick so he adopted more of a caretaker role. So for the past 21 years he has lived on the mountain, protecting the town from the elements (and any potential looters).

The first day I asked Robert if he was ever scared of living up there. He said no, he always had his two friends, Smith and Wesson, with him....

How did Robert react to this purchase?

Robert reacted well. It's mostly business as usual, but given our excitement and energy around the project we're able to do some things he's wanted to do on the property for a while but there weren't the time/resources to do in the past. We deeply respect Robert's knowledge of the place and really enjoy being able to spend time with him

Robert is a badass.

More of a man than I'll ever be. This is Robert: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl9CgRbDRMd/

Are there actual buildings? Is the town set up for water/sewage/electricity?

There are 22 buildings remaining of the original town. We have electricity and septic fields. Water has to be trucked up currently

How much of the original town is standing? Are you planning to reconstruct historically or build contemporary structures instead?

There are 22 of the original buildings standing, including the original bunkhouse that housed a lot of the miners and the original hotel/saloon (complete with bullet holes and bloodstains)

We plan to restore all the existing buildings but implement amenities to make it more comfortable for guests (running water, insulation in walls, etc).

Since there are 380 acres we do plan to build some new cabins (10 or so) but those are a ways off

Did you get the mineral rights, or equivalent of, for the town? And if so, would you turn it in to a mining attraction/retreat/holiday park type thing if it still yields any?

All mineral rights transferred as well. The former owners had done some core samples over the years and did not believe that there were any minerals remaining.

Robert (caretaker) however has other ideas. After every rain he hikes the property looking for signs of the long lost 'vein'

Stay patient. The silver needs a few years to grow back

Good to know

So you plan to let people explore a bit, or maybe create ways that people can come and walk the town?

We currently offer tours to the public. They're led by our caretaker Robert who has lived on site for 21 years. His tours are unmatched. You'll learn history and mining process. He was a school teacher before so his delivery and punchlines are unmatched

Do you pay him now? What are his “duties”

Robert is on the payroll. Mainly being a presence on the property when we aren't there. Giving tours when people come. Letting us know when something breaks. Coordinating people that come up (contractors, etc)

Since you own the town, are you allowed to tear the whole thing down to rebuild or is it protected as a historic site by the state?

It isn't technically preserved as a historic site but there are lots of interested parties in the place.

We have absolutely no intention of tearing anything down. The history is why we were attracted to the place and to us the biggest selling point

Do you have to pay property tax on it?

Indeed. It is California afterall

I always thought property taxes went to the city. Which is now...you?

Who gets the taxes?

County

So are you independently wealthy or what? How can you afford to keep paying taxes on a $1.4 million property that is essentially useless and brings in no money? And more importantly, to what end?

Since it currently doesn't produce income, the property taxes are quite low. It is zoned as open space

Are you planning on moving there yourself? How far do you have to travel for basic supplies? (Groceries, etc?)

(Edit: spelling)

Yes! I hope to move there for at least a few months this summer. It's really one of the most beautiful places I've been and I think it is important to spend time on the land to learn about it and see what we should do with it.

The town of Lone Pine is about 45 min away. They have a grocery store, gas station, hotel, etc

I’ll be driving up 395 from Los Angeles a few times this summer. Are you accepting visitors?

Yep. Come on by! Or email [email protected] before you stop by and we can make sure to set up a tour

Since you own the town will you make drugs and prostitution legal? I'm trying to figure where I should go on vacation.

Well, you're always welcome up at Cerro Gordo. Come on up.

In terms of drugs and prostitution, I believe those fall under more encompassing national regulations but hey, I'm no narc

My man. How’s the view?

Edit: I just looked up where it is.. that’s some beautiful country . When I’m in sequoia next maybe I’ll putz around up there.

It's awesome! The majority of the buildings have views of Mt. Whitney (tallest peak in continental US), then the backside of the property has views of Death Valley (lowest point). The high/low is super interesting to me

I've been there before and brought Robert (the caretaker) packs of water for his troubles and an awesome tour. Is he still living on-site? Will touring the area still be allowed?

Souvenir proof: https://i.imgur.com/gfXsrbk.jpg

Congrats on your ghost town endevour!

edit: What about overnights at the hotel?

I recognize those mini ingots! Robert is still onsite and tours are happening

So the town has had a murder a week and now it’s just down to Robert. Do you ever wonder there might be more to Robert than you think?

This gives me lots of think about

Have you considered allowing films to shoot there?

There have been a few in the past. The intro scene to Iron Man when they blow Ironman out of that bunker in "Afghanistan" was actually shot at Cerro Gordo's roads

Why?

I have a love for history and real estate. This seemed a super interesting opportunity and interesting challenge at the same time. I have a hospitality project in Austin, TX that is housed in a historic property and I've found it rewarding to work on.

Jon and I are big history buffs and had been looking for a hospitality project to do together within a few hours of a major city.

Really though when it came down to it, I thought at my deathbed if I could say I once bought a town with a friend, that would be pretty cool.

Podcast?

We should start recording?

Yes just sit there and shoot the shit with your caretaker Robert and I'll listen every week

I like that idea

What was the motivation to buy it?

Jon and I are big history buffs. We had read about the American West for a while and it captured our imaginations. I have a hospitality project in Austin, TX as well that is in a historic building. So we started looking for properties within a few hours of major cities that had history attached to them. We looked in the Catskills outside NYC for a while.

Our friend Aaron forwarded us the listing for this and it was just too perfect. We went out the next day to meet with former owners and Robert. It's been a lot of fun

Public nudity, intoxication or prostitution laws?

All the above have taken place at Cerro Gordo

How much can you sell the ghosts for?

Don't know. Need a ghost guy

Seems like a great pick up line. "Hey wanna come back to my town?"

Not many options on Tinder out there. I checked.

Is there any way to come help/volunteer? I'm taking a solo roadtrip through that area next month for my 28th birthday and would love to lend a hand on any ongoing projects.

Always! DM me

Can you tell us what buildings and infrastructure you got in the deal? Did you get all the mineral rights for the property?

360 acre property with 22 existing structures including:

*Hotel *Saloon & Restaurant *Bunkhouse (8 rooms) *Clubhouse/Games Room *Museum *Gordon Mansion *Belshaw House *Cook’s House *Caretaker’s House *Hoist House *Assay House

Town has power and various septic fields. Mineral rights were included

Have you considered offering an annual or ongoing artist retreat, like a residency for artists? Such a space may be a draw for some and the arts in all forms could always use more patrons.

We would absolutely love to do that. We're currently building a basic music studio in the bunkhouse. Mainly recording room. But we'd love to have a cabin for ongoing artists of all types

Any cool ghosts stories from the town?

I publicly went on TV and said I didn't believe in ghosts in an interview. Admittedly, Jon and I had had a few beers before the interview and it seemed like a throw-away question from the host.

Well, the next week I was going down to the bunkhouse to crash for the night. I noticed the lights were on and when I got close someone looked through the curtain and closed a window.

No worries, the construction crew had been staying in the bunkhouse. I'm still a bit creeped so I sleep in the truck. Next morning, light is off.

Next day I ask Robert how much longer the crew was staying in the bunkhouse. He says they left 3 days ago and the reprimands me for turning on the lights in the bunkhouse (it was locked).

At that point I get spooked and go down to bunkhouse. Nobody there, all lights off.

That night I start walking to see the sunset. Bunkhouse lights? They're all on. Door is locked. Fuck me.

Either Robert is having fun or something didn't like my comments

Which of you is the city sheriff and which is the city chief?

Undecided. Any suggestions on how to decide? Jon is definitely a better fighter but I think I'm quicker

Do you need any volunteers who will help restore the place in exchange for accommodation & board?

Always. Shoot me a DM!

[deleted]

DM me dates! We've had a few jeep clubs up in the past

Population of 1 because you murdered your friend?

Not yet. But I did go into business with a friend so...

Can you just make sure that Robert is always taken care of? He’s my new favorite non fiction internet character.

It's top of the priority list

*had. Sorry?

Apology accepted!

whew!

Is there any potential/ do you have the intention of extracting more minerals from the land? I imagine mining technology has improved, but then I guess if you were the one to buy it, It probably wasn't economical for a mining company to do so.

Also I'd probably wait a while before reinstating the weekly murders. You want at least a season, not a single episode.

Apparently the former owners had different mining companies out to do imaging and core samples. The were unsuccessful but Robert (caretaker) still has faith. He can extract new silver out of their old slag or waste, but at scale it doesn't make financial sense (currently)

Have you ever thought about declaring sovereignty as an independent micro-nation?

I actually did go down that rabbit-hole one night. There was a VICE article about it or something. Had forgot about it until now...

What crazy animals have you seen living in the abandoned buildings?

Personally I've only seen some roadrunners (and maybe a ghost).

Robert (who has lived there for 21 years) has seen mountain lions in some of the mining tunnels, sheep, deer, and has two pet coyotes that he feed every day (before I get up)

The town is at 8,200 ft in elevation so it is quite high

How did you feel just before you signed the final document and how did you felt after?

Excited/Nervous and excited/nervous.

The thing that has really sunk in since owning it is the number of people who the town has impacted over the generations. We took on a big responsibility as well as the new custodians. We don't want to mess it up. It's been really fun learning more and more about the area and the property

Where did the money come from to buy the town?

Jon and I put in essentially our life savings and we tapped some clients from our other businesses to invest.

Hey I work with two of your investors, Brendan and Jason! Wondering if you think the popularity of Westworld is going to help your booking rate at all?

No shit! You're at Mekanism? Those two are the absolute best. Both have made the trek up to Cerro

If I run for mayor in your city will you vote for me? Why and why not?

We'd have to duel for it. Jon has already bestowed the title on me

Any potential plans to turn the area around the town into a camping area of sorts? I live up in Vancouver and I know I'd absolutely love to get out with friends and go camping in an area like that.

​

I'm not sure how far it is from everything and if the local wildlife is particularly dangerous (snakes?), but the scenery shown in the video sure looks amazing.

The town is at 8,200ft in elevation so not too many animals to worry about. I've only heard stories about one or two snakes ever being up there.

We do have a camping area and plan to maintain that no matter what. Send us a message in advance and we can make sure to set something up

Can I visit?

Of course. Come on up! Beers on me. Shoot me a DM if you're serious

Any plans on getting a historian's help or such to identify places of interest?

Definitely. We've been working closely with the two main 'historians' for the town. They have written a few books on the place.

We're finding it important to get a few opinions on all the history. We're finding the events have a way of shifting out in the high desert.

What's the most fun you've had with all that open space so far?

Robert has his explosives license. Meaning he can have and keep dynamite, as long as it is used for mining purposes. There was an old piece of slag that he wanted to blow up to see if there was silver in it. Blasting that thing with a few sticks of dynamite was something else

What’s your favorite building in town or most interesting? Cemetery included or you don’t know where the bodies are buried?

Saloon for sure. It looks exactly as you'd imagine a saloon from that era looked. It has spur marks in the floor, bullet holes in the walls, and bloodstains on the floor (really).

Check it out: https://www.instagram.com/p/BwcpVl3hE8y/

Do I smell a new hiker town / wine resort in the making?

The PCT is across the valley. We're not too far from Mt. Whitney and Lone Pine, which are stopping points for some hikers on the PCT

I checked out the Instagram and it looks great. I feel like I’d want to visit just for the stars. Are their any nearby hotels or air bnb’s?

You can check in Keeler and Lone Pine, but we should soon be able to accommodate overnight guests. Shoot me a DM and depending on dates I can assist

If silver has a big break out (expected once the US dollar nosedives) how much digging are you going to do?

Town's closed, we're a mine again!

Apparently Robert (the caretaker) can still produce silver from some of the left over slag from old mining days. But the cost for him to produce an ounce is about 4X the price it could sell for. But if that ration changes, our whole conversation around the town would certainly change!

Holy crap, I remember seeing the For Sale ad and was trying to get up there ASAP to take a quick tour!

Will you still be offering that in any capacity? Would love to take my 87 4Runner up there with my girl and explore/look around.

Come on up! Robert is always there, happy to give a tour. Jon and I are there quite often too and I'd love to offer you a beer or whiskey in the saloon if you make it up. DM me

Did I see this on CBS Sunday Morning?

Maybe! The Today Show also came up and did a segment

Are you the Mayor, or your friend? Did you fight over it?

Jon graciously bestowed me as Mayor (publicly, on The Today Show). He may have been joking, but business cards have been made...

https://www.today.com/video/visit-the-1-4-million-ghost-town-these-business-partners-want-to-revive-1355215427805