Home News ACHP Seeks Dialogue with VA on Management of Historic Facilities

Impending Demolition of Allen Park Medical Center Prompts ACHP Challenge of Department of Veterans Affairs Management of Historic Facilities

On September 27, 2001, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Chairman John Nau III conveyed ACHP's comments regarding the impending demolition of Allen Park Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Detroit, Michigan, to the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Recognizing little can be salvaged from the immediate project, the letter called upon VA to enter into discussions with ACHP and other historic preservation organizations on ways to strengthen the effectiveness of VA's management of its historic properties.

The congressionally mandated abandonment of the Allen Park VAMC calls for total demolition of the facility, which is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The eight-building, Georgian Revival complex was constructed between 1937 and 1939 on land in Allen Park that was donated to the Federal Government by Henry Ford.

It is unlikely the fate of Allen Park VAMC can be reversed, but the circumstances leading to its demolition are symptomatic of important changes in health care, as well as management and planning policies within VA that do not always give adequate consideration to historic resources. While ACHP Chairman's letter expressed regret over the impending loss of Allen Park as an important historic resource and community asset, it also expressed concern that the case reflects broad departmental challenges and problems that VA must face in managing its portfolio of historic facilities. [Read full text of the letter and background information]

The letter contains the following findings and recommendations:

Findings specific to Allen Park:

• Allen Park VAMC is a significant historic resource.

• The historic significance of Allen Park VAMC apparently was given little consideration during decisionmaking regarding the complex's future.

• Demolition of the entire Allen Park complex represents a significant loss, and one that does not immediately appear necessary based on the structural condition of the buildings or their reuse potential.

• VA's 1996 policy directive on cultural resource management should have facilitated integrating consideration of historic preservation issues into planning for Allen Park VAMC, but apparently did not.

• The closure of Allen Park VAMC reflects significant changes nationwide in VA's delivery of health care and, as such, can serve as a cautionary tale for addressing historic preservation issues in the realignment of other VA capital assets.

ACHP Recommendations to the Department of Veterans Affairs:

• Implement the mitigation measures VA proposed in a draft Memorandum of Agreement discussed at the July 19, 2001, meeting of the consulting parties.

• Address the broader implications of the Allen Park VAMC closure by entering into discussions with ACHP and other preservation stakeholders regarding VA's historic preservation program and the challenges and opportunities faced by VA in the management of its historic resources.

For additional information, contact Druscilla Null, Office of Planning and Review, at 202-606-8503, or e-mail dnull@achp.gov.

Updated April 26, 2002

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