Hospice of the Western Reserve announces plans for Lakeshore property
Hospice of the Western Reserve plans to use the former St. Joseph Christian Life Center property, purchased by the agency in June 2009, as a green space which can be used as a place for reflection and healing for the community, and for patients and families from the neighboring Hospice House on E. 185th Street. The memorial Vista Walk and gardens will be expanded to connect the two properties.
After much consideration of the historical value and current condition of the St. Joseph Christian Life Center, the agency decided to demolish the building because of structural problems, a leaking roof, extensive water damage, black mold, asbestos, an antiquated electrical system, and internal and external vandalism.
In order to preserve the legacy of the building - which dates back to the late 1920s when it was the Georgian Hotel for the Cunningham Sanitarium - Hospice of the Western Reserve decided to use a process called deconstruction to reuse, resell or recycle building materials. Marble bathroom dividers, vanity mirrors, wrought iron glass doors and rails, an ADA mechanical lift, lighting fixtures and over 10,000 cubic feet of brick will be salvaged during deconstruction, which began July 10.
“Deconstruction is a sustainable way to dismantle a building before demolishing portions of the space that aren’t reusable,” explained Hospice of the Western Reserve CEO David Simpson. “We are committed to preserving the legacy of this building which served as a place of peace, healing and restoration for so long.”
While deconstruction has been used in Cleveland to take down old homes prior to demolition, the St. Joseph Christian Life Center is one of the first commercial buildings to use this process.
Once deconstruction and demolition are complete, the grounds and green space will be open to the community. The carriage house and former priest house will remain on the property, but plans for these facilities have not been determined.
Hospice of the Western Reserve is offering an opportunity for those who have a connection to and a memory of the former St. Joseph Christian Life Center to share their stories, feelings and photos online at HospiceWR.org/CLC. Planned historical markers will recognize the history of the space which was used as a sanitarium, hospital, Catholic Youth Organization headquarters and orphanage before becoming the St. Joseph Christian Life Center.
About Hospice of the Western Reserve
Hospice of the Western Reserve is a community-based, non-profit agency providing comfort care and emotional support to patients and their families, regardless of age, disease or ability to pay. Care is provided wherever the patient lives - in the home, hospital, assisted living/long-term care facility, or at Hospice House, our 42-bed residential facility overlooking Lake Erie. For more information visit www.hospicewr.org or call (800) 707-8922.