The Kalamazoo State Hospital was established in 1848. However it was not until 1856 that the first asylum buildings were erected along present Oakland Drive. The complex consisted of two large structures, one for men and another for women. These were later joined by additional buildings.

In 1939 work began on a new Hospital building, whose entrance is seen here. The old male building was razed soon after. The female building lasted until 1967.