$4mln renovation at Eloise Asylum to turn into a hotel

Saturday, January 7, 2023

The officials reported that a long uninhabited psychiatric hospital, which was rumored to be haunted, would soon get a $4 million renovation to turn it into a hotel, restaurant, and haunted attraction.

Firstly, the former Eloise Psychiatric Hospital, also known as Eloise Asylum, in Westland was closed in 1984. However, most of the complex’s 75 buildings were demolished by the mid – 80s.

Secondly, a news release from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) stated that the redevelopment of the property and remaining structures had been complicated by contamination.

In addition to the statement the release also declared that the current project was supported by a $695,000 brownfield grant from EGLE. The funds would aid contamination cleanup efforts.

Another key factor stated by the release was that several blighted structures would be removed as part of this project. Two historic buildings would be preserved.

Building commercial establishments, including a haunted attraction, hotel, and restaurant and bar would be added.

Similarly, the release proclaimed more about the project indicating that contamination includes petroleum-related compounds in the soil and groundwater, which likely came from the underground storage tanks that leaked.

The EGLE grant would pay for the excavation, transport, and disposal of contaminated soil, which would prevent subsurface contamination from impacting the historic structures.

Parallel to this the city of Westland has partnered with 30712 Michigan Avenue LLC to rebuild the site as part of a multi-phase project, which was expected to create 50 – 100 full-time jobs, 75 – 100 seasonal jobs, and a $2.5 million increase in the property’s taxable value.

Apart from this Eloise Asylum was founded as a poor house in 1839 before it became one of the largest public healthcare facilities in the United States. The first inmate of the asylum was admitted in 1841, Bridget ‘Biddy’ Hughes. She remained there until she died in 1895.

Together with the psychiatric hospital pioneered many treatments for the mentally ill including electroshock therapy, insulin shock therapy, television therapy, recreational, music therapy, and occupational therapy.

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