(Des Moines, IA) -- Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines is marking it's 100th year today (Wednesday). Crews began building what is now Broadlawns in 1922. The hospital opened in 1924. The first buildings had 60 beds for tuberculosis patients and a 30-bed nurse's dorm. The Medical facility at 18th Street and Hickman, was formerly known as Des Moines City Hospital. Broadlawns will hold a series of centennial celebrations throughout the year.
The early beginnings of what is Broadlawns Medical Center today, actually date back to 1913, when Drake University established a medical school at 406 Center Street. An historical account published by Broadlawns states that facility stood empty for nine years, then two physicians purchased it and established a hospital for miners and charity patients.
Two years later, the Presbyterian Synod of Iowa bought it and renamed it the Presbyterian Samaritan Hospital. The hospital was eventually sold to the City of Des Moines for $95,000. In 1919, the name was changed to the Des Moines City Hospital.
To read more about the history of Broadlawns HERE.