Behind the Scenes Photos of Sea View Hospital on Staten Island, Poised for Redevelopment

The central kitchen at Sea View Hospital is connected by above ground tunnels to the other buildings

The historic Sea View Hospital on Staten Island opened in 1913 and focused on treating tuberculosis patients with fresh air, rest and a nutritious diet−the only prescribed treatments at the time. A small group from the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) was recently given the opportunity to take a behind the scenes tour the of hospital, which will be transformed into the first health-focused, mixed-use development in New York City, a strategic counterpoint to the redevelopment of the New York Farm Colony, across the street.  Here are some wonderful photographs shot by James and Karla Murray on this recent visit.

A view to the four tuberculosis pavilions, that still contain terra cotta murals from Delft, Holland on the facades

Sea View hospital was the site of the first clinical trials for hydrazides treatments, which ultimately led to the cure of the disease. The hospital gradually ceased operations in the late 1950’s, after the cure was discovered, and currently functions as a long term care facility.

Part of the network of multi-level tunnels at Sea View Hospital

Sea View is part of the New York City Farm Colony/Seaview Hospital Historic District, and many of its historic buildings have been repurposed for new uses, serving as a home for the Staten Island Ballet, the Sea View Playwright’s Theatre, a rehab center, volunteer firefighting organization and volunteer ambulance service.

Passageways above ground

Several of the terra cotta murals from the tuberculosis pavilions have been removed and are now on display in one of the main buildings:

Colony Hall, a large ballroom and stage that hosts holiday events and weddings:

Inside a board room in the Administration Building:

Entrance to the second tuberculosis pavilion:

Passageway underground from the morgue to other buildings:

Stay tuned for our historical secrets about Sea View in the coming days. Read about the plans to redevelop Sea View Hospital.