Blockley Hall. A rather unassuming name for a building with such a layered past. Our journey takes us back to the early 1830s, long before this modern structure graced the Philadelphia skyline. Back then, this area was home to the Blockley Almshouse, a sprawling complex built to house the city’s poor, sick, orphaned, and insane. The original almshouse buildings, designed by the renowned architect William Strickland, formed a quadrangle. They represented a significant step in social welfare, offering government-sponsored care to those in need.
Blockley Almshouse quickly earned the nickname “Old Blockley”. It became a microcosm of the city itself, reflecting both its triumphs and its struggles. Over time, the institution’s mission evolved. As medicine and psychiatry advanced, Blockley transitioned into a more conventional public hospital. A nursing school opened in 1885, ushering in an era of professionalized care. Eventually, “Old Blockley” was renamed Philadelphia General Hospital (PGH) in 1919.
The old almshouse buildings gradually gave way to modern facilities. By the 1950s, the site housed the city’s public hospital, a nursing home, and a home for the indigent. PGH became a vital part of Philadelphia’s healthcare system, serving a diverse population. It even partnered with prestigious medical schools like Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania.
Now, fast forward to 1964. PGH completed a 16-story residence hall for its nursing students. This building, known as Blockley Hall, offered modern accommodations and symbolized the hospital’s commitment to training the next generation of healthcare professionals. The University of Pennsylvania eventually purchased Blockley Hall from the city in 1985, after PGH closed its doors in 1977. Today, Blockley Hall, located at 423 Guardian Avenue, serves the Perelman School of Medicine. It houses offices and workspaces, contributing to the university’s ongoing mission of medical education and research. So, as you stand before this seemingly ordinary building, remember the echoes of its past. From almshouse to hospital to university building, Blockley Hall stands as a testament to Philadelphia’s evolving approach to social welfare and medical care.