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Date: 11/16/2022
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Preservation Trust is undertaking an effort to preserve a landmark building in Springfield for future redevelopment, as opposed to potential demolition.
The former Isolation Hospital at 1414 State St. has been recently named to the 2022 Preservation Massachusetts Most Endangered Historic Resources List and the trust is taking legal steps to create a historic district at the site.
James Boone of the Trust explained to Reminder Publishing the organization became concerned about the building and the 1950s vintage hospital when both buildings were put on the market. The owners of the two buildings are interested in getting the property re-zoned to allow for additional uses.
Preservation Massachusetts provided the description of the two buildings: “Springfield’s former Isolation Hospital Complex consists of two connected buildings at 1414 & 1400 State St. The original Isolation Hospital building was built in 1930-31 by local architects Kirkham & Parlett at 1414 State St. It is a prominent example of Art Deco architecture and is the only building of its type in the Pine Point neighborhood. The original building was composed of two wings constructed in the shape of an ‘L’ set back from State Street. The four-storied wing contained administrative offices while the five-storied wing housed the patient ward. Isolation Hospital was originally constructed to treat contagious diseases. A solarium was constructed on the property in 1936. In the early 1950s, a modern building was constructed at 1400 State St. and connected to the original Isolation Hospital building. Isolation Hospital served as the Springfield’s municipal hospital until 1998 when the complex was sold by the city. Today, the complex is owned by Vibra Healthcare, LLC, although only the 1950s addition is still being used under the name Vibra Hospital.”
Preservation Massachusetts also noted the Isolation Hospital complex has “unique architecture and excellent reuse potential.”
Preservation Massachusetts describes its program as “The Most Endangered Program is about so much more than preserving the history of old buildings. It is about elevating the stories of people and places - past and present - that make our Commonwealth so rich and vibrant. But this work does not begin and end with Preservation Massachusetts. It takes a strong coalition of advocates to come together to achieve positive outcomes for their historic resources and the places they call home.”
Boone noted the Art Deco building is the “best and largest” building of its style in the city. The 17-acres offers potential developers options as he sees the Isolation Hospital ideal for renovation into market-rate housing.
Boone said the Isolation Hospital was built in response to treat people with tuberculosis. Prior to its construction in 1930, the location was that of the Alms House, a hospital for indigent people.
In order to protect the building, the Trust is taking several steps. Getting the buildings on the Most Endangered Historic Resources List was first.
Springfield has a Demolition Delay Ordinance, which can offer protection to buildings more than a century old. The Isolation Hospital is only 92 years-old, so the Trust is proposing to change the ordinance to 75 years. This would have to be approved by the City Council.
The ordinance is responsible for helping to save the Willys-Overland Building on Chestnut Street, which has been transformed into market-rate house, as well as saving the Knox Auto Factory building in Mason Square, currently being renovated for housing, Boone said.
The Trust has also proposed the creation of a local Historic District for the site. Boone said the city’s Historic Commission would have to approve the application, then forward it to the Massachusetts Historic Commission. If that body approves it would then go to the City Council which would conduct a public hearing and then vote to approve or disapprove.