Allen Medical Building

Victor Nurmi, known for housing developments in the Great Lakes Bay Region, also served as architect for the Allen Medical Building. The medical building was "distinctive for its long, symmetrical profile" and featured an entrance with curved glass-block windows and a cantilevered canopy. (Bay City Times, May 23, 2007). The state of the art construction included a special heating plant with 10 independently, thermostatically controlled units along with a system to purify the air.

The building is named for Dr. Arthur Allen, who served the local community for 50 years until his death in 1977. Dr. Allen resided in nearby Auburn, and early in his career he used a horse and sleigh to make house calls during winter months. Having served the health and wellbeing of the community, it was fitting to honor him with the naming of the medical building.

The Allen Medical Building housed office suites for physicians, a complete laboratory, an emergency room (though it was not intended to be a full hospital), an physiotherapy department, cast room operating room for minor surgery, recovery rooms, a library, and conference rooms. The local newspaper noted that: "The medical center is of modern architecture with a monumental atmosphere, the institutional feeling being largely eliminated" (Bay City Times, Dec. 1, 1938).

Care was taken in construction to feature the latest in fireproof construction. Even the furnishing received special attention. Robert Irwin Co. of Grand Rapids, MI, supplied custom furniture for the building, with each suite having its own ensemble. The colors of the furnishing and building were designed to be harmonious throughout.

The building still serves a role in Bay City healthcare.

"Allen Medical Building." Bay City Times. Dec. 1, 1938.

"Allen Medical Building." Bay City Times. May, 23, 2007.

"Allen Medical Building." Bay County Historical Society Vertical Files.