Our “Looking Back” mini-series continues its focus on HUP in the early years. The University purchased nearly seven acres of land on which to build its hospital, wisely allowing for growth over the years. And, much as today’s HUP has grown to include the Perelman Center — and will continue to grow with the completion of the Pavilion — the need to add buildings to expand services occurred early on as well, starting with the Gibson Wing.
A Hidden Gem
Hidden among the 13 buildings that comprise HUP today is the Gibson Wing for Chronic Diseases. Built in 1883, it faced Spruce Street and was constructed thanks to a donation by Henry C. Gibson, one of the wealthiest men in Philadelphia at the time.
Sadly, it is also the only original building that still stands… at least in part. The Gates Pavilion replaced the front of the Gibson Wing, but you can still see a bit of history — the rear of the building — from the corridor between Rhoads and Founders.