The Evolution of New York City’s Hospitals and Women's Healthcare
In the late 19th century city, hospital building was on the upswing—inspired by a rapidly growing population, the benevolent spirit of Gilded Age society, and a better sense of how to treat disease and illness. “There are nearly 80 of these ‘inns on the highway of life where suffering humanity finds alleviation and sympathy,’ and many of them are among the largest and most magnificent buildings in the city,” stated King’s Handbook of New York City in 1892. Recently the New York Academy of Medicine digitized 118 postcards of New York City hospitals, which are part of the Robert Matz Hospital Postcard Collection.
Defunct City Hospitals and Their Historic Buildings
Many of 19th and early 20th century hospitals have either been demolished and forgotten, repurposed for other uses, or are still (partially at least) standing, but with a different name. Hahnemann Hospital is one that no New Yorker today would recognize; this spectacular hospital building opened in 1878 at Park Avenue between 67th and 68th Streets. In addition to its free beds, the hospital provided a quiet and comforting home for the sick and suffering of all classes under homeopathic treatment. It was sold in 1919 and an apartment building went up on this site in the 1920s.
City Hospital, on what was then called Blackwell’s Island, is another stunning structure built by inmates serving time in the island’s prisons. James Renwick, Jr. designed the building, which opened in 1861. Closed in the 1930s and abandoned, City (later called Charity) hospital was bulldozed in 1994.
The Roosevelt Hospital, at 59th Street and 10th Avenue, owes its existence to James H. Roosevelt, who left his estate to create “a hospital for the reception and relief of sick and diseased persons, and for its permanent endowment.” Today, what eventually became St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital has been rebranded Mount Sinai West.
Dedicated Care for Women: Past and Present
Morningside Heights’ Woman’s Hospital moved to a spot near the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in 1906. Originally located on Madison Avenue and 29th Street and then Park Avenue and 51st Street, Women’s Hospital was founded by surgeon Dr. Marion Sims. It merged with St. Luke’s Hospital in 1952, though this incredible Gothic building remained until the mid-1970s.
Continuing the mission of specialized care, Tia is setting a new standard of care for women today. They provide comprehensive in-person and virtual care to support physical, mental and reproductive health. Located in the historic Haughwout Building at Broome & Broadway, Tia’s clinical experts and specialists, trained in modern and holistic modalities, come together and collaborate to find the best approach for patients.
The following table summarizes the key details of these New York medical institutions:
| Hospital/Clinic Name | Original or Notable Location | Key Historical Date/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Hahnemann Hospital | Park Avenue (67th & 68th Sts) | Opened 1878; Sold 1919 |
| City Hospital | Blackwell’s Island | Opened 1861; Bulldozed 1994 |
| The Roosevelt Hospital | 59th Street and 10th Avenue | Rebranded Mount Sinai West |
| Women's Hospital | Morningside Heights | Moved to site 1906; Merged 1952 |
| Tia Clinic | 440 Broome Street, 2nd Floor | Opened September 26, 2022 |
Comprehensive Modern Services
At modern facilities like Tia, women are seen, heard and cared for. Their services include:
- Primary care
- Gynecology
- Mental health
- Wellness services such as acupuncture and cupping
As a member, you get comprehensive health care in one place and perks that go beyond a typical doctor’s office — including unlimited messaging with your Care Team and access to New York clinics in SoHo and Williamsburg.