Update: The first floor windows and doors of the hospital were boarded up by the fall of 2021. News reports in the fall of 2023 state that the hospital had been the target of extensive scrapping and metal theft. I revisited the hospital in February of 2024. See some of the neighborhood west of the hospital along Potomac here.
How sad how the past is forgotten when those who lived it are gone. The old Lutheran Hospital, for me, is one such example. I have absolutely no recollection of this place existing, and I only discovered it after wondering about the writing above the door of the oldest part of the hospital. It’s interesting to see how the building progressed along Texas Avenue, and then hopped over to Jefferson, eventually taking up the whole block. It’s sort of sad that the memories of all of the hard work will one day be gone.
The hospital was part of the larger “Lutheran Civic Center” of South City, whose other buildings, like Concordia Seminary, I’ve covered in the past.
Update: St. Alexius closed and is now as South City Hospital.
Nowadays, the hospital is owned by the same people as St. Alexius, and the famous school of nursing is still open. I believe that much of the complex is empty.
I don’t think the school of nursing is empty. However, if there is a way to make this an official landmark? I would be right there. I did my training here and just got back to the area.
I worked there as an licensed practical nurse fir 16 years . When the Lutheran church owned it it was a great place to work .
I graduated in 1965. Tell me its not cjosed!
The school it’s not close I’m currently attending now
I was born in the Old Lutheran Hospital, July 17 1947, however I was adopted 6 months later and moved to Kankakee, Illinois
I was born in Lutheran Hospital Sept 1952. Had my appendix removed there in 1964.
I know the building is empty I just don’t see why it can’t be use for homeless people then for the building to set there and go to waste
My mother-in-law was born there in 46’. I wonder what year was the hospital built / opened?
Mr. Miller, you can learn some of the history of the old Lutheran Hospital in my article about various St. Louis landmarks:
https://www.stlmag.com/history/architecture/4-lost-st-louis-landmarks-we-should-remember/
The short answer is that it began in 1858 and moved to the current location in 1878.
I was born in the old Lutheran Hospital, December 7, 1957, and then was adopted to Oakland, Il
My grandma had a child in this hospital a baby girl somewhere in 1947 and was told she died but never got to see her or where she was supposed to be buried. Starting to think she was adopted out. Anyone know where i may get some info on this
Does anyone know when this hospital was actually renamed because my brother was born here on July 17th, 1980. Our mother who now lives in California also gave birth to a baby boy in 1971/1972 she gave him the name of Jason David my grandmother then held him and signed for him to be put of for adoption my mother had no choice in thus decision. It would mean a lot to our family to find him. We’ve already been reunited with some cousins, aunts, and uncles.
this is more then sad we need this hospital come back our choises are so limited
i liked the fact if i need emergency help thats were i would go and it was always a welcome place and fast and good care they need to come back hay st.louis bring the south side back
I had all four of my children here. I remember receiving excellent care with each one of them
I remember my Mother was hospitalized a couple of times there when I was growing up and so was I in the mid 1960s for a small surgical procedure. It is too bad when they started closing down the smaller hospitals for the larger medical centers. I too think it should be a landmark at least.
I was born here in April of 1983 and adopted 9 days later. I just recently found my birth mother and found out that both my half siblings ( now deceased ) were born here in the late 70s as well! Also my maternal Great Grandmother passed away in this hospital in the late 50s. Oh, and my adopted Paternal Grandmother, graduated from the nursing college right before WWII!!! Turns out I have a ton of family history with this place!!
My twin daughters were born in this hospital in April, 1960. Received wonderful care. Can’t remember the name of the Dr. that delivered them, but he had an office on South Grand Ave. No longer live in St. Louis.
Dr. Paul
Lutheran school grad. 1993
I was born Lutheran Hosp. in Nov, 1945. Worked in the dietary dept. in 1963? Dated one of the student nurses for a while. Son, Ron Tuggle Jr. was born there also in Nov, 1970. I have since relocated to Alabama.
I was born at Lutheran hospital in August of 1943 and gave birth to my daughter there in July of 1963.
My mother-n-law was born here on 3/4/1944 and was given up for adoption. A head nurse by the name of Julia Schwanshwuald help find her a new home. Her birth mothers name was Alice Smith. My mother-in-law would love to connect with any siblings or family. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I was born at Lutheran Hospital in 1989.
I was born in Lutheran Hospital, August 16, 1950 @ 2:12 pm. I believe mom & dad were living in a flat on Virginia back then. Does anyone know the address of the hospital in those days?
Donna, the official address in 1950 of the Lutheran Hospital was 2646 Potomac Avenue, according to a St. Louis Star-Times article from that year mentioning that institution.
I graduated from Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in 1969, it was honestly the best school in the city, and took me far in my career. Is the hospital really empty?
It is not entirely empty, but much of it is. Alexian Brothers bought the buildings and renamed it their Jefferson Campus, while their original hospital to the south is now known as the Broadway Campus. I know, it is very sad.
I WAS BORN AT LUTHERN HOSPITAL ON 12/9/1936 I ALSO HAVE TWO SISTERS BORN ONE IN 1932 AND 1945.
I was born in the old Lutheran Hospital on 10/09/1942. Moved to California when I was 3 months old, and now live in Florida.
I was born at Lutheran Hospital in August, 1967.
Born at Lutheran Hospital on July 6, 1950.
I was born at Lutheran hospital in 1994.
I was born at Lutheran Hospital in September 67. Was adopted years later. Trying to get an original birth certificate. Hoping someone could help me find one. Would the hospital that took over Lutheran have original birth certificates? Any help would be appreciated!!
I was born at Lutheran Hospital in September 1965, and my mom lived on Cherokee Street back then.
What is the address for this location? I am pretty sure I was born there.
2639 Miami St, I think? It takes up two blocks bounded by Jefferson Avenue on the east, Miami on the south, Ohio on the west, and Potomac on the north.