Kirkbride Buildings - Historic Insane Asylum Architecture

There’s more news today on the possible transformation of the Fergus Falls Kirkbride into a college for cross-cultural studies. Read about it here: Chinese Get Invitation to Fergus Falls

In addition, there’s an article on Willard State Hospital which also mentions a photography exhibit titled “Willard: Behind the Walls of the Asylum for the Insane” showing in Binghampton, NY this weekend. You can read it here: Willard: The Buildings They Left Behind

A reader recently pointed me to an article about a new proposal for reuse of the Fergus Falls Kirkbride building in Minnesota. Apparently there’s a plan in the works to turn it into a college for Chinese language immersion and business studies. It’s a timely idea and things are moving forward, but the article does mention if an agreement isn’t finalized within a year, the building may still be destroyed.

It’s strange to think Chinese capital could help Minnesota preserve an historic structure. It makes sense though, and it doesn’t take a psychic to predict such investments from China will become more common as the 21st-century progresses. If this proposal goes through, they’re sure to benefit, as will Minnesota. I hope it works out.