Muirdale Tuberculosis Sanatorium, hospital in Wisconsin, United States
Muirdale Tuberculosis Sanatorium is a large hospital building constructed in 1915 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, distinguished by its vertical multi-story design that differed from typical sanatoriums. The structure was designed to house hundreds of patients simultaneously and consolidated all essential functions including offices, research labs, and operating rooms within a single building.
The sanatorium opened in 1915 because local hospitals lacked sufficient space and facilities to treat tuberculosis patients, and served as a treatment center until 1970. After closure, it briefly operated as Rehab West caring for elderly residents before permanently shutting down in 1978.
The name Muirdale honors John Muir, a famous naturalist from Wisconsin whose philosophy of healing through nature influenced the sanatorium's design. The architecture with large windows and open spaces reflected the era's belief that fresh air and light aided recovery from tuberculosis.
The building stands today as part of the Milwaukee County Research Park and houses the Technology Innovation Center with various businesses operating inside. Visitors can view the exterior architecture, but access to the interior is limited since the building primarily serves commercial purposes.
The building is said to be haunted, with many people reporting paranormal occurrences linked to its past as a treatment center for a deadly disease. These ghost stories have made the sanatorium a source of fascination for those interested in local legends and supernatural phenomena.
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