Molly Stark Sanatorium Demolition to Begin

LOUISVILLE, Ohio – The Molly Stark Sanatorium, a tuberculosis hospital that served patients for more than 65 years, will begin demolition Wednesday after remaining empty as 1995.

The massive building near Louisville in Nimishillen Township has attracted urban explorers, teenagers, and ghost hunters over the past 30 years, costing Stark Parks hundreds of thousands of dollars in security and maintenance.

Late last year, the state of Ohio awarded Stark County more than $2.3 million to help fund the demolition. The county contributed the remaining $800,000 needed for the project.

News 5 flies a drone over Molly Stark before its demolition – watch it here:

(Warning: Offensive language may be found in this drone footage-vandals drew extensively on the walls.)

For 95-year-old Jane Bracht, the demolition marks the end of a chapter that profoundly changed her life. In 1964, she was diagnosed with tuberculosis and quarantined at the sanatorium for six months.

“You can’t imagine being taken from your home and your 4.5-year-old child,” Bracht said. “I didn’t even get to say goodbye to her and explain what was happening. It was a terrible experience for six months.”

the experience left a lasting impact on the retired nurse.

“any time I go into the hospital, I struggle. Everything comes back to me,” Bracht said.

Built in 1929, the Molly Stark Sanatorium specialized in treating tuberculosis patients. Thousands received care there until its closure in 1995.

Following the closure, Bracht purchased nightstands used at Molly Stark during a property auction.

“It was part of my life for….”