University Hospital’s Evolution: From “Old Main” to Modern Marvel

University of Michigan's University Hospital, opened in 1925, was once a modern marvel. By 1986, it was replaced.

February 16, 2026

Opened in 1925, the University of Michigan’s University Hospital was one of the world’s largest, most modern hospitals. By the 1970s, however, it became overcrowded and outdated. Known as “Old Main,” it struggled with structural issues, lacking privacy, and no central air conditioning. The need for a replacement was evident.

In December 1978, the Board of Regents approved the creation of a new hospital along with an ambulatory care facility, located at the medical campus’s northeast corner. Detroit’s Albert Kahn Associates, the same firm that designed Old Main, was commissioned for the project. The state government, recognizing the hospital’s importance, agreed to help fund the project despite an economic downturn.

The “Replacement Hospital Project,” shown early in its construction. — The Replacement Hospital Project shown early in its construction Photo courtesy of Michigan Medicine

The “Replacement Hospital Project” was the state’s largest construction endeavor and the country’s largest hospital project at its time. A marketing campaign highlighted the advanced features of the new 11-story, 1.8 million-square-foot hospital, including improved patient rooms with better privacy and views.

Hospital moving day arrives

On February 13, 1986, 19 moving trucks transported medical equipment from the old hospital to the new site. The following day, the new University Hospital, or UH, opened as 403 patients were transferred by 200 staff and volunteers. The Taubman Center’s 120 outpatient clinics were set to open the following week.

By 1989, Old Main and its adjacent 1930s buildings were demolished. The Replacement Hospital Project continued through 1990, adding a front entrance for women’s and children’s services to the Taubman Center.

An early-1980s aerial of the main U-M medical campus, showing the new University Hospital under construction and the "Old Main" University Hospital at center. — A 1980s aerial of the main U M medical campus showing the new University Hospital under construction and the Old Main University Hospital at center Photo by John Penrod courtesy of Michigan Medicine

Fast forward to today

The Frankel Cardiovascular Center now occupies Old Main’s former site. The adjacent D. Dan and Betty Kahn Healthcare Pavilion opened in 2025, repeating the massive patient move from UH to its new rooms. The UH 2.0 Renovation Project, spanning six to seven years, aims to expand inpatient care, convert rooms to private, and modernize the facility, while enhancing pediatric care services.