In a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood in Austin, Texas, Vince Hannemann has spent four decades creating what he calls "Trash Vegas," a massive, 35-foot-tall structure made from 60 tons of discarded materials like tires, light fixtures, and scrap metal. Officially known as the "Cathedral of Junk," the structure resembles a pyramid with a domed top that reaches nearly three stories high. Its interior is a dazzling mix of colors and textures, creating a kaleidoscopic effect, while staircases lead to different levels, with a small sitting area at the top for visitors. Hannemann, now 63, began constructing the Cathedral of Junk in 1988 when he was in his mid-twenties. What started as a collection of individual sculptures eventually merged into one cohesive piece. Over the years, he has added more items, often with the help of visitors who donate their own discarded objects. While entry to the site is free, Hannemann accepts donations, which can include old items like bowling trophies or cash. Hannemann grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and moved to Austin in 1989. He briefly studied architecture but found the field too rigid. He turned to art full-time in 2008 after a commercial filmed by Bank of America featured his work, earning him income for a year through residuals. The name "Cathedral of Junk" was given to the piece by his mother and has since become well-known. In 2010, Hannemann faced a challenge when the city of Austin required him to get a building permit after a neighbor complained. However, the local neighborhood association has since embraced the structure, hosting its annual party at the Cathedral of Junk for the past four years. The site has attracted visitors from around the world, with reports of people taking photos and exploring the unique structure. Despite the positive attention, Hannemann has had to deal with the challenges of managing a tourist attraction from his backyard, including uninvited visitors. To manage access, he built an additional fence near the street. There are no fixed visiting hours, and interested visitors are advised to call Hannemann directly at (512) 299-7413 to arrange a visit.