Demolition Begins on Former Riverside Hospital Property, New Plan Revealed

Crowds gathered in the rain outside the former Riverside Hospital property Monday morning to witness the beginning stages of a demolition plan for two major structures--a boiler room and the former Austin Church house.

Property owner Iqbal Nasir was on hand to kick off the project. He revealed his plans for two other major structures on the property.

A three-story structure near West Jefferson Avenue is expected to be used as a professional building with offices. An adjacent, smaller structure is expected to be used as headquarters for a long-term care facility.

Architect Ray Parker of Hennessey Engineers in Southgate, charged with the design of the interior of the professional building, said the project could take about a year.

Nasir said, a few physicians have already begin to show interested in using space in the professional building.

"We have full intention of working in that building," Nasir said. "Because that's one activity I'd like to see here."

Trenton city councilmen Terrance Teifer and Bill LeFever, who've been sitting on council since the hospital closed in 2002, attended the press event to mark the beginning of demolition Monday.

Teifer said the word of the day was "progress."

"We've waited how long--eight, nine years," Teifer said. "Quite frankly, I think the city botched this up from the beginning."

Teifer said the success of Downtown Trenton hinges upon the renovation of the former Riverside Hospital property.

Nasir is expected to meet with officials of the Henry Ford Health System to work on getting a deed modification to allow him to continue with the above plan. The current deed restricts any type of medical facility on the property.

The bulk of the demolition project is scheduled to begin at about 2 p.m. It could take up to a week to complete demolition and cleanup.

Nasir said nearby neighbors who've recently complained to Trenton City Council members about overgrown vegetation and vandalism will be pleased with the property when his plan is complete.

"We will piece-by-piece develop those areas," Nasir said.

Wendy Pate lives about 100 yards from the boiler room building and has been a driving force in getting Nasir to follow through with his plans for the property including simple items like cutting the grass.

"I'm cautiously optimistic," Pate said. 

Pate added, she would like to see the complete renovation of the interior and exterior of the property with added cosmetic appeal.

"It's been a long battle," LeFever said. "I appreciate neighbors being so understanding, but it's been an eyesore for us for years, and here we are finally going to see some positive things happening here."

"Hopefully it will be the pride of the City of Trenton, when it's all said and done."

Look to Trenton-Grosse Ile Patch for more information on this story.

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