Allen Park Veterans Administration Hospital, Building No. 22, Southfield Expressway & Outer Drive, Allen Park, Wayne County, MI

Significance: Building 22 was built in 1947 as an auditorium for the hospital. Its elaborate interior decorations were removed when the space was refinished in the 1980s. It currently has several large murals decorating the walls. Also added in the 1980s was a cafeteria or canteen, and shop for hospital staff and visitors. Building 22 represents the objective of the Allen Park Veterans Administration Hospital to meet not only the medical needs of its patients, but their social ones as well. Because it had no permanent seating, the auditorium could be used as a large room for activities and social events. The stage at one end allowed for the presentation of plays and recitals. A movie screen could be rolled down for showing movies to patients and on-campus staff. The building continues the use of Georgian Revival details found throughout the campus in its brick facade with a limestone veneer base, regularly spaced sash windows, quoins, and cornice.
Survey number: HABS MI-427-L
Building/structure dates: 1947 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 2002 Subsequent Work