Tweet
Deluca, Salvatore. “Outlook Improves for Louisville's U.S. Marine Hospital” Online Preservation, 6 July 2004
http://www.nationaltrust.org/magazine/news/index.htm (accessed 7 July 2004)
Outlook Improves for Louisville's U.S. Marine Hospital
Online Preservation (The National Trust for Historic Preservation)
Salvatore Deluca / July 6, 2004
Scurvy, smallpox, malaria, and rope lacerations often incapacitated 19th-century mariners, landing them at the nearest port to find medical care. To deal with the problem, Congress allocated money in 1837 to build seven hospitals along inland waterways. The only remaining U.S. Marine Hospital, in Louisville, Ky., near the banks of the Ohio River, was named last year to the Trust's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list.
"At one time, the building held sick mariners, but at this point, it is the patient," says Joanne Weeter, Louisville's historic preservation officer.
The 1853 Greek revival brick infirmary—designed by Robert Mills, whose portfolio includes the Washington Monument, the U.S. Treasury Building, and parts of the U.S. Capitol—suffers from moisture and termite damage. Repair estimates run up to $9 million.
So far, about $2.5 million has been raised from a mix of federal, state, and city sources, including a $375,000 Save America's Treasures grant. The city hopes to use the restored structure as a state welcome facility and research center.
Both Union and Confederate troops recovered at the hospital, as did World War I veterans. In the 1930s, it became housing for doctors and nurses working at an adjacent hospital and was last used to store records. Today, the hospital's historic Portland neighborhood is distressed. Interstate 64 runs not far from the building's balconies but does not obstruct the river view once enjoyed by convalescing veterans. "We see the revitalization of this building as key to revitalizing the entire area," Weeter says.
***********
Just FYI: This year’s National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference will have a field session at the U.S. Marine Hospital. Participants that sign up for this session will have an opportunity to do some nice investigating and documentation on this mid 19th century Hospital.
Here is a description:
Tuesday, September 28, 2004 10:00 am-5:00pm
Friday, Oct. 1, 2004 8:00 am-3:00pm
Historic Structures Report
Learn about the historic structure assessment developed by the National Park Service. James Malanaphy, AIA, Victoria Jacobson, AIA, Aaron J. Tuley, ASLA, and Philip E. Yocum, AIA will lead a hands-on investigation of the U.S. Marine Hospital, designed by Robert Mills and originally constructed in 1851. You will take part in a hands-on investigation to analyze the site, structure, systems, finishes, and architectural elements, and make recommendations for use, treatment, and interpretation.
•Gain practical skills in conducting a historic structure assessment,
•Learn how to assemble a qualified interdisciplinary assessment team,
•Develop an understanding of the historic significance and material
condition of older buildings.
This workshop is presented by the Historic Resources Committee of the American Institute of Architects. Lunch and workshop materials are provided.
I believe registration is limited to 30 for each session. It is also possible to register for just one day of the conference.
The National Preservation Conference will be held in Louisville on Sept. 28-Oct. 3, 2004.
Yes, I know…the full conference dates run into the weekend of the Franklin event! :(
http://www.nationaltrust.org/magazine/news/index.htm (accessed 7 July 2004)
Outlook Improves for Louisville's U.S. Marine Hospital
Online Preservation (The National Trust for Historic Preservation)
Salvatore Deluca / July 6, 2004
Scurvy, smallpox, malaria, and rope lacerations often incapacitated 19th-century mariners, landing them at the nearest port to find medical care. To deal with the problem, Congress allocated money in 1837 to build seven hospitals along inland waterways. The only remaining U.S. Marine Hospital, in Louisville, Ky., near the banks of the Ohio River, was named last year to the Trust's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list.
"At one time, the building held sick mariners, but at this point, it is the patient," says Joanne Weeter, Louisville's historic preservation officer.
The 1853 Greek revival brick infirmary—designed by Robert Mills, whose portfolio includes the Washington Monument, the U.S. Treasury Building, and parts of the U.S. Capitol—suffers from moisture and termite damage. Repair estimates run up to $9 million.
So far, about $2.5 million has been raised from a mix of federal, state, and city sources, including a $375,000 Save America's Treasures grant. The city hopes to use the restored structure as a state welcome facility and research center.
Both Union and Confederate troops recovered at the hospital, as did World War I veterans. In the 1930s, it became housing for doctors and nurses working at an adjacent hospital and was last used to store records. Today, the hospital's historic Portland neighborhood is distressed. Interstate 64 runs not far from the building's balconies but does not obstruct the river view once enjoyed by convalescing veterans. "We see the revitalization of this building as key to revitalizing the entire area," Weeter says.
***********
Just FYI: This year’s National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference will have a field session at the U.S. Marine Hospital. Participants that sign up for this session will have an opportunity to do some nice investigating and documentation on this mid 19th century Hospital.
Here is a description:
Tuesday, September 28, 2004 10:00 am-5:00pm
Friday, Oct. 1, 2004 8:00 am-3:00pm
Historic Structures Report
Learn about the historic structure assessment developed by the National Park Service. James Malanaphy, AIA, Victoria Jacobson, AIA, Aaron J. Tuley, ASLA, and Philip E. Yocum, AIA will lead a hands-on investigation of the U.S. Marine Hospital, designed by Robert Mills and originally constructed in 1851. You will take part in a hands-on investigation to analyze the site, structure, systems, finishes, and architectural elements, and make recommendations for use, treatment, and interpretation.
•Gain practical skills in conducting a historic structure assessment,
•Learn how to assemble a qualified interdisciplinary assessment team,
•Develop an understanding of the historic significance and material
condition of older buildings.
This workshop is presented by the Historic Resources Committee of the American Institute of Architects. Lunch and workshop materials are provided.
I believe registration is limited to 30 for each session. It is also possible to register for just one day of the conference.
The National Preservation Conference will be held in Louisville on Sept. 28-Oct. 3, 2004.
Yes, I know…the full conference dates run into the weekend of the Franklin event! :(