Origins and Architectural Significance
In the mid-19th century, the state of Ohio recognized the need for additional facilities to care for the mentally ill, leading to the establishment of the Athens Lunatic Asylum. Construction began in 1868, and the hospital officially opened its doors in 1874. The asylum was designed by Cleveland architect Levi T. Scofield, who implemented the Kirkbride Plan—a revolutionary approach to mental hospital design developed by Dr. Thomas Story Kirkbride. This plan emphasized a central administrative building flanked by staggered wings, allowing for maximum sunlight and ventilation, which were believed to be therapeutic for patients.
The hospital's grounds were equally thoughtfully designed. Herman Haerlin, a landscape designer from Cincinnati, crafted the surrounding environment to include rolling hills, gardens, and walking paths, integrating nature into the healing process. The asylum's location on a hill overlooking the Hocking River provided a serene setting intended to promote recovery.
Development and Expansion
Initially, the Athens Lunatic Asylum was built to accommodate 572 patients, but over time, the facility expanded significantly. By the 1950s, the hospital housed approximately 1,800 patients and encompassed over 1,000 acres with 78 buildings. The institution operated as a self-sustaining community, complete with its own farms, dairy barns, greenhouses, and workshops. Patients often participated in labor as a form of occupational therapy, contributing to the maintenance and operation of the facility.
The asylum served a diverse population, including Civil War veterans, individuals with epilepsy, and those diagnosed with various mental illnesses. Treatment methods evolved over the years, with practices such as hydrotherapy, electroshock therapy, and lobotomies being employed at different times, reflecting the medical understanding of the era.
Decline and Closure
The latter half of the 20th century brought significant changes to mental health care in the United States. Advancements in psychotropic medications and a shift toward deinstitutionalization led to a decrease in patient populations at large mental hospitals. As a result, the Athens State Hospital began to see a decline in use. By 1993, the hospital officially closed its doors, with remaining patients transferred to the nearby Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare facility.
Preservation and Redevelopment
Following its closure, the state of Ohio transferred ownership of the hospital grounds to Ohio University in 1993. The university undertook efforts to preserve and repurpose the historic buildings, now collectively known as "The Ridges." Several structures have been renovated for academic and cultural uses. Notably, the former administration building now houses the Kennedy Museum of Art, and the Dairy Barn has been transformed into the Dairy Barn Arts Center, a venue for exhibitions and community events.
In recent years, Ohio University has proposed further redevelopment plans for The Ridges, aiming to create a mixed-use space that includes housing, commercial areas, and recreational facilities. These plans seek to honor the site's historical significance while adapting it for contemporary use.
Legacy
The Athens State Hospital remains a poignant symbol of the history of mental health treatment in the United States. Its architectural grandeur and the evolution of its use reflect broader societal changes in the perception and care of mental illness. Today, The Ridges stands as a testament to the past, offering educational and cultural opportunities while preserving the memory of those who lived and worked within its walls.
