The Curious Case of the Disappearing Detroit Hospital: Where'd Holy Cross Go?
Have you ever driven down Outer Drive in Detroit and done a double-take at a seemingly abandoned building? You might be wondering what happened to the once-bustling Holy Cross Hospital. Fear not, fellow history buff (or maybe you're just nosy, no judgement here!), because we're about to unravel this medical mystery.
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| What Happened To Holy Cross Hospital In Detroit |
From Humble Beginnings to Hamtramck Hamlet
The story starts all the way back in 1922, when Holy Cross first appeared on the scene, but not in its final resting place. Originally, it set up shop in Hamtramck, disguised as St. Francis Hospital. Back then, if you got hurt building a sweet new ride at a Dodge factory, this was your go-to spot for getting patched up. But hold on to your stethoscopes, because things were about to get interesting.
The Big Move: From Hamtramck to Outer Drive
By 1946, Holy Cross decided it needed a change of scenery. Maybe the ghosts of too many disgruntled car parts were hanging around? Whatever the reason, they packed their metaphorical bags and set up shop at the corner of Outer Drive and Kempa. This new location was all about sleek design and modern amenities. They probably even had one of those fancy X-ray machines that didn't make you feel like you were being hugged by a radioactive koala (fun fact: those weren't a thing).
The Not-So-Holy Shift: From Healing Hands to Helping Hands
Fast forward to 1996, and things take a bit of a turn. St. John Health, a local healthcare giant, swooped in and bought Holy Cross. They showered it with love (and probably a hefty chunk of change) and even gave it a makeover, calling it St. John NorthEast Community Hospital. It seemed like Holy Cross was back on its feet... or should we say, wheels?
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The Final Curtain: Farewell, Farewell, Holy Cross
But alas, even the best medical care couldn't save Holy Cross from the harsh realities of finances. Running an old hospital is apparently about as expensive as keeping a goldfish alive in a thimble. With a heavy heart, St. John Health decided to shut down the inpatient services in 2005. So, what became of the building?
Well, that my friend, remains a bit of a mystery. There are rumors of it being haunted by restless spirits of patients who never got their Jell-O, but that's probably just an urban legend (although it would make a killer ghost tour).
Today, the building sits there, a reminder of a bygone era of Detroit healthcare. But hey, at least it's not another abandoned warehouse, right?
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FAQ: Holy Cross Hospital Edition
How to find out more about Holy Cross Hospital?
The Detroit Public Library has some cool historical photos of the place [Detroit Public Library Digital Collections].
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How to visit the Holy Cross Hospital building today?
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Unfortunately, the building is currently closed to the public. But hey, you can always drive by and pretend you're on a medical detective mission!
How to avoid ending up in a haunted hospital (just in case)?
Probably best to stay healthy and avoid any risky activities that might land you in a hospital, haunted or not.
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How to tell if your hospital is haunted?
If the only thing flickering is the fluorescent lights, you're probably good. But if the IV bags start swinging on their own, well, maybe pack a crucifix just in case.
How to find a good hospital in Detroit today?
There are many great hospitals in Detroit! A quick web search will point you in the right direction. Just make sure they have good Jell-O on the menu.
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