Intersection of Lake Avenue and Beacon Street - Street View photo on Google map in October 2022 was still showing Byron Health Center under construction in 2019.
Byron Health Center has its roots as the Allen County Poor House, built in 1853 in the Waynedale area. In 1916, the facility was moved to its current location and Fort Recovery, an anti-tuberculosis tent hospital was established. This later became known as Irene Byron Hospital. The facility was named to honor Irene Byron, who died while serving her country in World War I and was an executive secretary of the Anti-Tuberculosis League. Copied from Our History page of the Byron Health website. Formerly at 12371 (12101) Lima Road, from 1919-1976, there was an Umarked Cemetery discussed on our Perry Township Cemetery page. The new facility at Lake Avenue and Beacon Street broke ground in 2018 and moved to new home in 2020.
While we moved to our beautiful new home on Beacon Street in 2020, seeing this building be torn down is definitely bittersweet for our staff and residents, as well as Greater Fort Wayne. Byron has a long history of serving Allen County in a unique way and while this physical location will no long exist, our beautiful memories and the life that was lived and celebrated within these walls will never leave us.
Let us know your favorite memory of the old building in the comments!
Grateful to our friends at WANE 15 for this this thorough reporting. As it says in the article, we moved to our new home in 2020, where we have a beautiful mural that showcases our long history and dedication to serving those in Allen County.
If you are interesting in coming to have a tour of the new building, contact us at info@byronhealth.org!
FOUR WHOLE YEARS!!! When we think back to how life looked 4 years ago, it was a scary time and we were moving into a completely unknown space. We have had our fair share of surprises with new equipment and not-so-operational technology but we have had so many more amazing moments living in this space! The outdoor spaces, comfortable living spaces and inviting common areas make it truly home. Here is to 100 more to come!
Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of our beloved namesake, Irene Byron, whose dedication to care and compassion...
Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of our beloved namesake, Irene Byron, whose dedication to care and compassion still guides us every day here at Byron Health Center.
As a pioneering nurse, Irene’s commitment to service and humanity touched countless lives. Her words continue to inspire us to this day, as seen below.
We honor her today and always. Happy 142nd Birthday, Irene!
