Former hospital to be torn down
The former Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital building will no longer exist by the end of the year.
For more than two years, since planning for the new Medical Center began, the old Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital building has been listed for sale with little interest generated. Hospital leadership also sought input and ideas regarding reuse, and contacted several organizations to promote their consideration of utilizing the building.
At their regularly scheduled July 20 meeting, the Crossing Rivers Health Board of Directors voted unanimously to raze the vacant 58-year-old former Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital building, before year-end 2015. With a new Medical Center now in full operation on the city’s south side, Crossing Rivers Health has its sights set on a new era in healthcare, while remaining dedicated to the organization’s long-standing history and legacy.
Bill Sexton, Chief Executive Officer of Crossing Rivers Health, said the organization is committed to doing what’s best for the long-term interests of Prairie du Chien, and the region. “The decision to raze the building wasn’t an easy one. It would be easy to let the building continue to stand empty and simply maintain the grounds, but that doesn’t benefit anyone.” Sexton added, “We are certain we don’t want the old hospital to become a blighted property in Prairie du Chien.”
The board has determined that razing the building will create a clean slate for future development opportunities.
More details about the razing of the former hospital building will be on the front page of the Monday, July 27 edition of the Courier Press.
