Before rehabbing a structure, most owners consider how the building will be used. With high vacancies in the downtown business districts, some folks are suggesting the commercial buildings be converted to residential units. It doesn’t take much imagination to understand the impracticality of changing around floor plans from acres of cubicles to one thousand square foot residences with a couple of bathrooms, a kitchen, and outward-facing windows. It’s not impossible to change the use from office space to living space, yet a momumentous task.
The hospital housed the patients, so it is more akin to residential use. The buildings are grand.
There are historic photos of wards lined with beds, which would no longer be acceptable. Instead of 1900 residents, perhaps the space could accommodate 500 in order to comply with modern standards for living space. This would still be a sizeable project. I’m wondering though if the building would appeal to the mainstream population? It seems people would have a difficult time shaking off thoughts of the mental illnesses formerly contained within its walls. Although the structures look like dormitories in a liberal arts college, details like bars on the windows are reminiscent of past occupants.
It seems like the best use for the complex would be for housing folks who are presently suffering from homelessness and mental illness. It’s quite a step up from the tent encampments being dismanteled daily in the core cities.
Home Economics 