Columbia University Irving Medical Center, hospital in New York, United States
Columbia University Irving Medical Center is a large hospital campus in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, extending across several blocks between West 165th and 169th Streets. The facility combines patient care, research, and teaching in multiple buildings that range from historic structures to modern architecture designed by renowned firms like Diller Scofidio and Renfro.
The facility was built in the 1920s on the site of Hilltop Park, the former home stadium of the New York Yankees. Edward Harkness donated the land and helped fund the original buildings, creating the first combined medical school and hospital campus in the world.
The center was renamed in 2016 to honor Herbert and Florence Irving, reflecting the importance of philanthropy to the institution. You notice how teaching and patient care intertwine throughout the campus, shaping the daily rhythm of the community.
The campus is easily accessible by public transportation with multiple subway lines and bus stops nearby. Multilingual guides and pamphlets are available at the entrance to help visitors understand what to expect and how to navigate the various buildings and services.
The hospital was built on the site of Hilltop Park, the former Yankees stadium, creating an unusual connection between baseball history and medicine. Few visitors realize they are walking on ground where baseball once played when they visit the medical campus today.
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