This article was originally written by Dean Murray for SWNS — the U.K.’s largest independent news agency, providing globally relevant original, verified, and engaging content to the world’s leading media outlets.
In the age of artificial intelligence, you couldn’t be blamed for suspecting the photo above was created by a ChatGPT user with a penchant for picnicking. Believe it or not, though, the basket-shaped office building is indeed real — and it’s on the market for $8.5 million.
Formerly the headquarters of the basket-making company Longaberger, the seven-story, 180,000-square-foot building opened in 1997 on a 21.5-acre site in Newark, Ohio.
For obvious reasons, the property garnered worldwide attention and became one of the state’s most iconic (and quirkiest) landmarks. Per the real estate listing, it features a media room, an on-site workout facility, glass elevators overlooking the atrium, and locally sourced woodwork that “adds warmth and character to the space.”
The listing goes on to add that the building — called “The Basket” — is designed to support more than 500 employees, and includes heated underground executive parking, as well as parking for 555 vehicles.
At its peak, Longaberger employed more than 8,200 people and generated over $1 billion in annual sales, according to Columbus Navigator. But economic recession and changing home decor tastes saw the company decline, and by 2016 it had vacated the building.
In 2018, a note was sent out from a sales force supervisor stating that Longaberger had ceased operations. The following year, however, it relaunched online. The website states that all its baskets are handmade in Dresden, Ohio, and “designed to be enjoyed today, cherished tomorrow, and passed down for years to come.”
Meanwhile, social media users have reacted to the news of the listing on Facebook with ideas about what The Basket could be used for. “This would be an amazing senior community; small apartments and little shops,” one commenter said. Another suggested the property “would make a great casino and restaurant!”
And yet another wistful user added: “I want to buy it!! Fingers crossed for winning the lottery!!”
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