Grand Forks County (trfnews.i234.me) — On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, demolition commenced on the former Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, marking the end of an era for a facility that served the community for nearly five decades. Originally opened as United Hospital in 1976, the building has been a cornerstone of healthcare in the region.
The hospital officially closed its doors on January 19, 2025, coinciding with the opening of Altru Health System’s new state-of-the-art facility located just north of the original site. The new hospital features modern amenities and expanded services to better serve the community’s needs.
The demolition of the old hospital is being carried out in stages and is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. The cleared space will be transformed into a spacious patient and guest parking lot, as well as additional infrastructure to support the new hospital.
Altru Health System expressed a mix of nostalgia and optimism in a recent statement: “While we honor the legacy of this building and all it represented, we also look ahead with hope.”
The old hospital holds a special place in the hearts of many in the community. Over its years of operation, it was the birthplace of more than 69,000 babies and served countless patients. A private “Grateful Goodbye” event was held in April, allowing staff and community members to pay their respects and share memories.
As the city bids farewell to this historic institution, the focus shifts to the future and the continued commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services in Grand Forks.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.