Completion of Exterior Restoration Celebrated  
     
 
  The U.S. Marine Hospital celebrated the completion of its exterior restoration phase with an Open House on June 16, 2007.

Mayor Jerry Abramson and Dr. Shirley Willihnganz, Provost of the University of Louisville, joined the event to observe this important milestone in the Marine Hospital’s long history in Portland. Over 200 visitors roamed the grounds and climbed to the restored Cupola to view the work that has been completed since November 2005.
 
     
 
Above: Mayor Abramson and his wife, Madeline, and Rick Bell, Marine Hospital Executive Director, in the cupola. Right, the restored cupola.

The entire exterior of the 1852 former federal hospital for boatmen has been restored and repaired. A new roof, extensive brick repairs, repainting and hanging of historically-accurate window shutters has restored the building to the condition as it was in the year 1900. The observation Cupola, absent since the 1950s, has been rebuilt and provides a breath-taking view of the Canal and surrounding area.

  
 
     
 
  Mayor Abramson praised the spirit of cooperation in achieving this landmark in the Marine Hospital restoration project. Dr. Willihnganz spoke about the potential of the University of Louisville becoming a part of future health and human service programs to be located in the building. A major capital and endowment campaign is being planned that will allow for the interior of the Marine Hospital to be fully restored and equipped with modern conveniences. When fully-restored, the Marine Hospital will serve as the home of the Center for Community Health Education and Outreach, and will also house a Heritage Center.

PHOTO CREDIT for cupola and window:
Quadrant, Inc., courtesy of JMA
 
     
 
Cody Malone, a high school student involved with the Kentucky Society Children of the American Revolution took on an intensive year-long project to benefit the restoration of the Marine Hospital. Cody spent the last year speaking to groups statewide to help raise funds for the building’s restoration. Cody and his mother, Rebecca, presented Dr. Charlie Smith with a check for $3,200 to help the ongoing project. Dr. Smith, a former resident of the Marine Hospital, serves as Vice-Chair of the Marine Hospital Foundation.