Good morning. It’s Friday, April 17th. You can expect a Graypril morning to give way to a clear afternoon, with highs in the upper 70s. (Calabasas and Agoura Hills up through Santa Clarita are under a wind advisory until 2 p.m., with gusts up to 50 miles per hour).
In today’s newsletter, we’ve got stories about federal investigations in Lancaster, Eric Swalwell’s Hollywood ambitions, high-profile departures from L.A. leadership and some things to do this weekend. But first, an abandoned hospital that’s coming back to life in some unexpected ways.
An abandoned hospital is becoming a homeless shelter. And an immersive art show. And more.
Covered-up signage outside of the vacant St. Vincent Medical Center in Westlake. (Hayes Davenport/L.A. Material)
St. Vincent Medical Center, a seven-floor yellowish-white structure that looms over MacArthur Park, is the oldest hospital in Los Angeles. Or it was — the hospital closed six years ago, and the building has been vacant since. In case that wasn’t clear, the words “MEDICAL CENTER” on the facade have been covered up by a big white tarp.
But this historic complex, recently controversial for being inactive in a high-need neighborhood, is notable right now for the opposite reason. St. Vincent is preparing not just to reopen, but to take on several completely new identities at once — including a homeless shelter, a large supportive housing development, and an immersive, selfie-friendly pop-up art museum with 70 rooms.
You’ve reached your free article limit this month.
Upgrade now to gain unlimited access to L.A. Material’s reporting. Your support helps us keep really good, really independent journalism alive in Los Angeles.
Upgrade now
