Decorative Columns Restored To Front Lawn of Einstein Medical Center
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- After more than a decade in storage, a set of historic columns are back in place at the entrance to Einstein Medical Center, on North Broad Street.
The restoration of the columns is part of a larger effort to beautify the hospital's front yard.
The six, 24-foot Ionic columns were a gift to Einstein in 1904, salvaged from the Second US Mint when it was demolished to make room for Wanamaker's department store.
The columns stood by the entrance of Einstein for nearly 100 years, until a project to open access to the hospital from Broad Street forced their removal.
Hospital spokesman Damien Woods says they were cleaned up while in storage and have now been returned just in time for a major event.
"We're very proud to have these columns back in place in time for the Broad Street Run," he tells KYW Newsradio. "We think it's an iconic symbol for Einstein, and we're going to have 40,000 people here on Sunday to see this."
Woods says it's the first phase of a plan to make the area in front of the hospital more park-like.
"The goal is to provide a place of respite during a stressful day, whether they are our employees or coming to visit patients," he said.
