WESTLAND (WWJ) -- Though parts of the former Eloise Psychiatric Hospital in Westland have been transformed into a haunted house attraction, a large portion of the building remains firmly planted in the past.
The five-story, 150,000-square-foot Kay Beard Building was once used as admission offices for the hospital, but it also housed about 400 patients, as well as some staff members.
The team running the Eloise Asylum attraction also host paranormal tours on the upper floors of the building, some of which is so surprisingly intact, it feels as though you've stepped into a time warp.
As part of a special Halloween episode of The Daily J podcast, WWJ's Zach Clark and Annie Scaramuzzino toured the Kay Beard Building and learned about the complicated history of Eloise, and what's in store for its future.
Here are just some of the things they saw:
Annie Scaramuzzino/WWJ
Annie Scaramuzzino/WWJ
A handful of paper towel and soap dispensers are still stocked from the days when the hospital was operating. Additionally, one of the facility's original hydrotherapy tubs remains untouched.
Annie Scaramuzzino/WWJ
An original hydrotherapy tub at EloiseAnnie Scaramuzzino/WWJ
Annie Scaramuzzino/WWJ
Annie Scaramuzzino/WWJ
An original dentist chair with built-in harnesses still sits within one of the building's upper floors. Some dare to sit in the chair during paranormal tours to see if they have an experience from the beyond.
Original dentist chair at EloiseAnnie Scaramuzzino/WWJ
Annie Scaramuzzino/WWJ
Parts of the building have been removed to protect guests from harmful materials, and other pieces were stolen during the days when urban explorers would break into Eloise.
Annie Scaramuzzino/WWJ
Annie Scaramuzzino/WWJ
Old office at Eloise AsylumAnnie Scaramuzzino/WWJ
The building's first floor and basement are the spaces that have been turned into the Eloise Asylum haunted attraction, which also features a Tesla coil to provide lightening-like special effects.
Tesla coil in the basement of Eloise AsylumAnnie Scaramuzzino/WWJ
Annie Scaramuzzino/WWJ
Waiting room at Eloise AsylumAnnie Scaramuzzino/WWJ
Earlier this year, it was announced that the historic Westland property will be transformed into a hotel, bar and restaurant in a massive $4 million renovation project, which would also expand the haunted attraction. Find out more about that here.
All month WWJ is bringing you stories of Metro Detroit's spookiest places in special episodes of The Daily J. Check out our features on the hauntings of Mackinac Island, Detroit's Two Way Inn, The Whitney, Royal Oak's Orson Starr House and Pere Cheney.
