As the housing crisis deepens, the increasing closure of hospitals in affected communities offers a unique opportunity to repurpose these facilities into essential community housing. This presentation highlights the adaptive re-use potential of the recently closed Saint Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles, drawing parallels with a successful project in Portland, Maine.
California is home to many aging hospitals, and dozens have recently closed. Buildings like Saint Vincent, though no longer suitable for modern healthcare due to outdated infrastructure and design, possess qualities ideal for repurposing. The narrow floor plates, extensive windows, and robust infrastructure make them well-suited for housing and other community-centered functions.
This session will explore the potential of transforming Saint Vincent Medical Center into affordable and workforce housing, along with other community-serving uses such as outpatient medical services, biomedical research, and neighborhood-supporting retail.