Honestly, it’s kinda surreal to drive down 3rd Street in the Westlake district and see those massive, empty buildings. St Vincent Hospital Los Angeles CA isn't just a landmark; it’s basically the DNA of medical care in this city. We’re talking about the very first hospital in LA, a place that survived the smallpox pandemic of 1876 and the 1918 flu, only to end up caught in a web of bankruptcy and billionaire politics.
If you’ve lived here long enough, you probably know someone who was born there or had a life-saving surgery in those halls. Now? It’s a 10-acre ghost town.
The Shocking End of a 164-Year Legacy
It happened fast. Back in early 2020, right before the world flipped upside down, Verity Health System—the nonprofit that owned the place—basically threw in the towel. They’d been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy for a while. They tried to sell it to the KPC Group for $120 million, but that deal tanked at the last second.
By January 24, 2020, the doors were locked.
Over 1,000 people lost their jobs. Nurses who had been there for decades were suddenly on the street. It wasn't just a business closing; it was a community anchor snapping. The California Nurses Association fought it, calling the move illegal, but when the money runs out in a bankruptcy court, the lawyers usually win.
Wait, didn't it reopen for COVID?
Sorta. In April 2020, just as the pandemic was hitting its first peak, the state stepped in. They leased the building from the bankruptcy estate to create the Los Angeles Surge Hospital. It was this high-stakes partnership between the county, Kaiser Permanente, and Dignity Health.
It was strictly for COVID transfers. No walk-ins. No ER. It served its purpose during that terrifying first wave, but by the time the lease ended, the "hospital" went dark again.
Enter the Billionaire: Patrick Soon-Shiong’s $135 Million Bet
This is where it gets interesting. Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong—the guy who owns the Los Angeles Times—bought the whole campus for $135 million in April 2020.
People had high hopes.
He talked about using it for "research" and "ongoing legacy of preparedness." But for the last few years, the neighborhood has just seen a lot of chain-link fence. Honestly, it’s been a point of massive frustration for local leaders. In 2022, Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell basically called him out in a press conference, begging him to meet the city halfway and turn the site into an acute care center for the homeless.
The Real Reasons It’s Not Open Yet
You’d think a billionaire owning a turnkey hospital would be a slam dunk, right? Not exactly. Here’s why St Vincent Hospital Los Angeles CA is still sitting there:
- Retrofitting Costs: Even though the buildings look fine, California’s earthquake standards (OSHPD) are brutal. To bring a 1970s-era hospital tower up to 2026 codes is insanely expensive.
- Zoning and Intent: Soon-Shiong’s team has hinted at research and biotech, while the city wants beds for the unhoused. Those two visions don't exactly play nice together.
- The "Surge" Strip-Down: When it was converted to a surge hospital, a lot of the specialized equipment was moved or changed. It’s not just a matter of flipping a light switch anymore.
What’s Actually Happening at 2131 W 3rd St Right Now?
As of early 2026, the status is... complicated. There have been persistent reports and community murmurs about the site finally being integrated into the county's broader mental health and homeless service plan.
While some parts of the campus are being used for administrative tasks or small-scale research, the main hospital towers remain mostly dormant. However, the pressure from the LA County Board of Supervisors hasn't let up. They see those 366 beds as the "holy grail" for solving the psychiatric bed shortage in the Westlake/MacArthur Park area.
"St. Vincent is not a retail store... It is a hospital that has responsibility and accountability to the community." — Christine Chung, Registered Nurse (former staff)
Practical Takeaways for the Community
If you’re looking for medical care in the area, don't head to 3rd and Alvarado. You’ll be met with security guards and "Closed" signs.
Where to go instead:
- Good Samaritan Hospital: Just down the road on Wilshire. It’s the closest full-service alternative.
- LAC+USC Medical Center: The massive county facility if you're dealing with emergencies and have limited insurance.
- Silver Lake Medical Center: Good for urgent but non-trauma issues.
The Future of the Site
The most likely scenario? A public-private partnership. The city and county have the money from various "mansion tax" and homeless initiatives, but Soon-Shiong owns the land.
If you live in the Westlake or Echo Park area, keep an eye on City Council agendas regarding the "Westlake Wellness" initiatives. There is a growing movement to force a sale or a long-term lease that would finally put those beds to use for the city's most vulnerable.
📖 Related: 60 Minutes Avian Flu: Why This Pandemic Warning Should Actually Scare You
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Provider Status: If your old doctor was based at St. Vincent, most have moved to the medical offices at Good Samaritan or St. Francis. Use the Zocdoc or your insurance portal to track their new suite numbers.
- Community Input: Follow the Westlake North Neighborhood Council for updates on any redevelopment hearings. They are the first to know when a zoning change is requested.
- Medical Records: If you need your old records from the St. Vincent era, you generally have to contact the Verity Health System Liquidating Trust, as they still handle the legacy data from the bankruptcy.
The story of St Vincent Hospital Los Angeles CA is a reminder that in LA, real estate often trumps healthcare. But with the 2028 Olympics looming and the homeless crisis at a breaking point, that empty building is a problem the city can't afford to ignore much longer.