Inset E Inset F terials to represent ornamentation without fussy flourishes . These natural stone walls present a soothing element that connects patients to the out of doors , an intentional aspect of much MCM design , pushing back against the feeling of confinement within sterile walls and fluorescent lighting of more contemporary medical structures . Terrazzo flooring , another common and durable element of the mid- 20th century is featured on some lower floor hallways at the EPMAB .
Cap Hoskins , MD , who maintained his medical practice in the building from the mid-1970s to the early-1980s , and a nextdoor neighbor at home to Mr . Schneider , recalled during a recent conversation the novelty of the EPMAB when it was constructed . Standing at the forefront of the migration of medicine outside of the downtown core , the building was a popular location for medical offices in its 1960s and 1970s heyday . The modern design echoed the changes occurring in medicine at the time . Yet , notably , Dr . Hoskins recalled the esprit de corps of the medical community supported by the functional public spaces , notably the original cafeteria and doctors ’ dining room ( just inside the aforementioned port cochere ). Physicians and community members converged daily for lunch , enjoying the social equalizer of dining together . Dr . Hoskins , in his recollection , noted that many Jefferson County Medical Society functions were held in the auditorium , supporting the center of medical gravity of the EPMAB for local physicians at the time .
MCM architecture , often built at the edge of the technological curve with new materials in steel , glass , plastics and acrylics of the time , and the muted color palettes of MCM interior design , can feel dated in contemporary times . However , casting an untrained or unaware eye to MCM architecture may miss the forest of cutting-edge functional design for trees of dated color palettes or crumbling materials . Brian Forrest , partner at Hoagland Commercial Realtors ,
purchased the neglected and near vacant EPMAB in 2016 with the intent of restoration . Dr . Hoskins laughingly recalled that Mr . Schneider infamously did little upkeep on his properties , much to the chagrin of many tenants . However in keeping with his maintenance standards , he never raised the rent . Mr . Forrest , for his part , has invested several million dollars into the EPMAB since purchasing the property in 2016 , reversing years of decline in maintenance and occupancy rates ( the building now boasts over a 90 % occupancy rate ). Touring the building today with Mr . Forrest , one can sense that form really did follow function in the EPMAB . Many of the original features that created a veritable medical community of the mid-20th century , such as the auditorium , cafeteria , 4th floor physicians lounge and rooftop smoking patio , are repurposed and revitalized .
A small portion at the tip of the triangular nine-acre EPMAB property , overlooking Beargrass Creek , is deeded to the Roman Catholic Church , by design . The function for Mr . Schneider , a devout Catholic , was for God to watch over not only the building but also the physicians and patients within . True , by all accounts , to his form , this author , with less divine credentials , has promised the current owner an indefinite haunting should the mid-century modern design of this piece of local medical history be tarnished . Regardless , the celestial land designation mirrors the ethos of the mid-century landmark , and the style it exudes , where form will certainly follow function .
Special thanks to Dr . Albert ‘ Cap ’ Hoskins for sharing his memories of the EPMAB and to Mr . Brian Forrest of Hoagland Commercial Realtors for providing access to and historical details of the EPMAB .
Dr . Kolter is an internist with Baptist Health .
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