St. John's Health to Preserve 18 Hitching Post structures in partnership with New West Building Company and Shacks on Racks

St. John's Health (SJH) is one big step closer to the day when many of its vital team members will have new homes at the Hitching Post, located on East Broadway across from the hospital campus.

Eighteen structures—ranging from small storage units to housing buildings, several more than 50 years old—will soon be carefully dismantled and relocated. The buildings will be preserved and repurposed through a partnership with New West Building Company and Shacks on Racks.

“Relocating these buildings marks an exciting step toward our goal of creating more long-term, livable housing that helps us retain staff,” said Sean Ryan, SJH Director of Facilities.“It’s a win-win,” Ryan added. “We’re preserving useful structures and avoiding tens of thousands of dollars in demolition costs.”

Ultimately, the redevelopment of the Hitching Post was essential, as the original lodging units were small and lacked full kitchens and other amenities needed for long-term use by hospital staff. Once completed, the Hitching Post Apartments will feature 72 rental units, with the majority being two-bedroom, based on staff need and preference. As suggested by staff during the design process, the Hitching Post Apartments will have many other features to promote long-term livability, including storage cages and workspace for tuning bikes and skis.

The Hitching Post project was approved by voters for Specific Purpose Excise Tax (SPET) funding, and it will also benefit greatly from the generosity of donors to the St. John's Health Foundation.

"We're grateful to the Town of Jackson, New West Building Company, and Shacks on Racks for helping us get to the next stage of our construction process," Ryan said. A community groundbreaking event will be planned for late summer.