In June, 1906, a small group met in the Coates House to organize a new hospital for Kansas City. Almost all were men of Swedish ancestry and the majority were members of the Augustana Lutheran church. They named their organization the Swedish Hospital society. A building selected at 1334 East Eighth street was remodeled and used as a hospital from October 29, 1906, until more space was needed five years later. The search for larger quarters ended in the choice of Penn Valley hospital, as pictured, at Thirtieth and Wyandotte streets. The building was located on one of the highest points in Kansas City, faced west and commanded a sweeping open view of the wooded Penn Valley park. It was not until 1921 that the name was changed to Trinity Lutheran hospital. Through the years new buildings, additions and wings have been added until more than three blocks are now covered. In the planning stages today are an apartment building for married students, a nursing home for the aged and a multi-level parking garage. So the old north wing, the original building, will be demolished. In its place will rise a beautiful new wing for which matching federal funds have been granted. The building program is part of a 16 1/2-milliom-dollar expansion program at the hospital. Long ago the tall white columns, as pictured, were removed from the old building and the porches enclosed and remodeled for patient room. But the hooded north entrance is still in place, a mute identification of the past. Kansas City Times, September 27, 1969.
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