Preserving the Kirkbride legacy: an analysis of the extant state of the plan and challenges of adaptive reuse

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Mardita M. Murphy (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Jo Ramsay Leimenstoll

Abstract: The intent of this multifold mixed methods study is to understand the impact Kirkbride planned hospitals made on the American landscape, to measure how the building type changed over time, and to assess the adaptive reuse potential of the building type today. A database was generated recording attribute data for all Kirkbride complexes identified. The thematic mapping method was employed to map the geographic distribution of these buildings, the chronological order of development, and to display the distribution of the assigned current status code(s). In addition to historical research and Kirkbride Legacy Database methods, the research utilized quantitative analysis, and case studies taking advantage of various strategies within each method. Across the United States, 73 Kirkbride complexes were identified. Of the 73, 40 were demolished, 24 preserved, and nine adaptively reused. Of the nine, the defined uses include multi-family residential, correctional facility, and mixed use. Of these, the character defining features of highest significance were retained in all cases except one and six alteration types were observed. All projects required some planning and funding actions for successful rehabilitation, yet these processes were most complex in a mixed-use program. Through this research, lessons learned from each of the nine reuse cases are presented to inform communities how other developers achieved successful rehabilitation.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2016
Keywords
Adaptive Reuse, Historic Preservation, Institutional Architecture, Kirkbride Hospitals, Kirkbride Legacy Database
Subjects
Psychiatric hospitals $z United States $x Design and construction $x History
Hospital architecture $z United States $x History
Historic buildings $x Remodeling for other use $z United States
Historic buildings $x Conservation and restoration $z United States
Kirkbride, Thomas Story, $d 1809-1883

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