Hospice of the Western Reserve Announces Plans for the Former St. Joseph Christian Life Center

For decades, the St. Joseph Christian Life Center stood as a beacon of peace, prayer and reflection on the Lake Erie, not far from the Hospice House grounds. Last year, Hospice of the Western Reserve purchased the property. Although unplanned, Hospice of the Western Reserve recognized this as an opportunity to preserve the legacy of the historic property and to extend the Vista Walk by restoring the beautiful green space.

Due to poor conditions, the building has to be demolished. “The building is in extensive disrepair with structural problems, leaking roof, extensive water damage, black mold, asbestos and an antiquated electrical system. The building has not been repaired in years and its vacancy has drawn issues of internal and external vandalism,” David Simpson shared. A process called deconstruction was used to recycle and retain materials when appropriate.

Hospice of the Western Reserve place markers on the property detailing its history, and will continue the shared tradition of the St. Joseph Christian Life Center by carrying its mission of caring for the less fortunate and those in need.

Learn more about this historic building

Watch “A Place of Healing”, a video about the history of the St. Joseph Christian Life Center

Stories about the St. Joseph Christian Life Center:

• St. Joseph Christian Life Center student shares his memories
• “The years at St. Joseph on the Lake were the happiest of my childhood.”
• St. Joseph Christian Life Center in the middle of one nun’s journey
• A link to her past: The story of one nurse’s connection

Do you have a special memory of the St. Joseph Christian Life Center? We’d love to hear your story.

News about the St. Joseph Christian Life Center:

• Hospice of the Western Reserve Announces Plans for Lakeshore Property
• Lubrizol volunteers help clean up the gardens before deconstruction begins