St. Michael's Medical Center, Newark NJ.
The St. Mike’s chapel, which is arguably one of the most beautiful historic chapels in the Northeast USA, was built in the late 1880’s, as part of an extension to the original hospital building. But eventually over many years, multiple newer buildings were constructed on campus, which resulted in the eldest building, and extension, being left abandoned. It has sat empty and decaying for approximately 30 years, until now. The building has finally been purchased and is in the midst of extensive restorations. The future “Newark Arts Commons,” will house spaces for arts education, art studios, artist housing, an art gallery for the artists to sell their work, and the chapel will be used as a common area lounge and activity center for residents. When abandoned places are restored, it is always bittersweet. As explorers, we lose a piece of our playground, but at the same time, we are happy for the building to receive a second life. And in this case, the building has been dedicated to the arts, so it doesn’t get much sweeter than that. I can’t wait to return one day, to see the transformation.