The complex and grounds were originally built on 203 acres of largely undeveloped farmland. In 1997, after completing an extensive statewide Master Plan, the NYS Office of Mental Health announced its intention to divest itself of several psychiatric hospital sites, including this old Psychiatric Hospital. Treatment for people with mental illness continued in the Complex until the late 1990’ when a new psychiatric Center was built east of the historic complex in 1965. This design was representative of what was then known as the Kirkbride system, named after the physician who developed it. The design of the buildings as well as the restorative grounds were intended to complement the innovations in psychiatric care practiced at this facility. It was a state-of-the-art facility when it was built, incorporating the most modern ideas in psychiatric treatment. This Abandoned State Asylum for the Insane started construction in 1870 and was completed almost 20 years later.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |