6 dramatic before-and-after renovation photos of decaying buildings

The Salem Jail opened in 1813. Harry Houdini staged an escape there in 1906, and Albert DeSalvo, known as the Boston Strangler, served time there in the '60s.

In 1984, living conditions were so bad — according to Curbed, detainees used chamber pots for bathrooms — that a few inmates sued the county, and the jail closed in 1991. Until then, it was oldest active penitentiary in the US.

For the next two decades, the building laid abandoned until developers transformed it into 23 luxury apartments and a restaurant. The $10.5 million project used both state and federal tax credits, the National Trust for Historic Preservation says.

Dating back to the 1940s, the Ghost Ranch Lodge was one of the first motels in the US to feature a motor court concept (in other words, it was located on the side of the road). Georgia O'Keefe designed the skull signage for the Spanish Revival-style lodge.

In 2007, it was renovated into 112 affordable apartments for senior and disabled tenants, thanks to a $22 million rehabilitation.

Built in 1887, the five-story building was a part of a five-acre brewery complex. Once a landmark in East Baltimore, prohibition forced the American Brewery to shut down in 1920. Over the next few decades, the building deteriorated and even served as a backdrop in HBO's "The Wire."

After $22.5 million of renovations in 2009, Humanim Inc., a nonprofit social services provider, moved in. Due to its central location and architectural quality, the building encourages future community and economic development in the area, according to The Baltimore Sun.

This brick building, constructed in 1889, first served as a luxury hotel with shops. But over the years, it deteriorated and retailers slowly moved out.

In the late aughts, the Boyle Hotel underwent a $24.6 million rehabilitation, with seismic reinforcement, a new roof, floors, doors and fixtures, kitchens, and bathrooms added. In 2012, it reopened as 51 apartment units of affordable housing with a few shops on the ground floor.

Opened in 1928, the Tennessee Theatre boasts Spanish-Moorish architecture, characterized by its decorative tile work and horseshoe arch that framed the stage. For nearly a half-century, it played movies in downtown Knoxville, but closed in 1977.

Following an 18-month, $30 million rehabilitation in the early aughts, it became a performing arts center. The building's original ticket booth, foyer, grand lobby, auditorium, and Wurlitzer organ were all restored.