4,023 Comments for Riverside State Hospital

I see pipes running along the right and left of the ceiling, so this was probably at least partially a space to run the plumbing and/or heating, if the heat was steam powered; if the latter, it would necessarily have been off limits to patients. It may have been a standard feature in the Kirkbrides - when I was inside the Buffalo State Hospital, they had pretty much the same setup, with attics at the top level of each ward, stretching across the entire building; though those ones also had steam heating pipes running along at waist level, as well.

As an archivist, I can't help but look with horror at how much has been left to rot. (Granted, the entire building has been left to rot, but things like these, they should have been simple enough to relocate. I recall reading that the Buffalo State Hospital had their complete run of records, 1880 onwards, sitting in the vacant section up until the early 1990s).

Any idea if they're just more vulnerable to decay, or if they never saw widespread use?

It does look like wood - it's actually concrete!

The only exposed brick was on the outside of the building, so the markings didn't extend past the porches attached to the sides of the building.

Natures taking that one back.

You got it, hydrotherapy tubs, relatively new and in good shape.

This was above the topmost ward, indicated by the dormers... I wonder if this space was meant to be used as only an attic, but converted after overcrowding became an issue.

thats strange

Looks like beet juice was poured over everything.

More lovely colors! Awesome Motts!

Yes, i agree with Toot, the arches are beautiful surrounded by an array of remarkable hues of color.

Im surprised these stairs are still in one piece! Did you climb up to find a big dark hole where the floor was giving way? That would send a chill down your spine!

Lovely color and decay!

What a wonderful perspective here! Watch your step, and how do you get these shots?