MCH History
Founded in 1826, Monroe Community Hospital is one of the largest skilled nursing facilities in the United States and a trusted health care provider in Monroe County.
For two centuries, MCH has grown to meet the changing needs of the community, offering comprehensive services including sub-acute rehabilitation, long-term skilled nursing, and specialty care.
Early History
1800s
1821
Monroe County Incorporated
Named in honor of President James Monroe, Monroe County is officially incorporated and formed from portions of Genesee and Ontario counties. The enclosed map represents the county in 1872.
Sept. 14, 1826
Monroe County Almshouse
The origins of Monroe Community Hospital can be traced back to 1826. Just five years after the County of Monroe was officially founded, a small brick building along South Avenue opened as the County Almshouse- one of the first facilities of its kind in the state. The building initially accommodated only 75 people, but as our community grew, the facility adapted to meet the increasing demands on its service.
1850s - 1870s
Early Expansion
In the 1850s, the original structure was replaced by a Home and an Infirmary. About a decade later, a third building was constructed for older men with chronic medical conditions, and by 1873, a 400-bed facility was built to meet the increasing local demand.
1875
Firestone is Born
Sigmund Firestone, who would later help build MCH’s modern facility, was born in Yassi, Romania. He immigrated to the United States in 1902.
Monroe County Home & Infirmary
1900-1966
1923
New Director for a New Home
In 1923, Dr. Eric Green was named medical supervisor and served as the institution’s top administrator for 35 years. A veteran of the Army Medical Corps and the Red Cross during World War I, he was a pioneer in the treatment of alcoholism and helped organize Rochester’s first Alcoholics Anonymous group.
1929
Building a New Home
County officials hire Rochester architect Sigmund Firestone, who recommends building a new facility to care for the growing number of long-term and chronic care patients. It’s located on former farmland on East Henrietta Road.
1931
Rochester's First Black Architect
Sigmund Firestone hires Thomas Boyde Jr., who today is widely known as Rochester’s first African-American architect, and construction on a new facility begins. Boyde is credited for MCH’s Lombardic Romanesque architecture, characterized by ornate details, statues and gargoyles, curved shapes and dramatic effects.
August 1, 1933
A New Era Begins
The Monroe Community Home and Infirmary opened on August 1, 1933, at a cost of $4 million. The building was hailed as a model health care facility, with one publication calling it “the most efficient installation of its kind anywhere.” It set new standards for hospital design by balancing the medical, psychological, and social needs of its residents with the need for efficient, cost-effective care. It had six floors and a capacity of 800 beds.
1934
Crossing the Canal
Crews work in 1934 to complete the East Henrietta Road crossing over the Erie Canal, adjacent to the Monroe County Home & Infirmary. The bridge was needed after the Erie Canal was re-routed.
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1930s-1950s
Evolving Mission
The Monroe County Home and Infirmary functions as a general hospital, providing medical, surgical, and maternity services.
1966
MCH Auxiliary
The MCH Auxiliary, a nonprofit, is established to advance various programs and services, and help improve the quality of life to residents of MCH. It raises approximately $1.6 million over its first 60 years to support MCH residents.
Monroe Community Hospital
1967-1999
1967
Name Change
Monroe County changes the facility’s name to the Monroe Community Hospital for the Care of the Chronically Ill to reflect a shift toward addressing the needs of the rising elderly population. The name would later be shortened to Monroe Community Hospital.
1968
A Pioneer in Geriatric Medicine
Monroe County reaches an agreement with the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry to provide medical personnel and services. As part of the affiliation, Dr. T. Franklin Williams — a pioneer and national leader in geriatric medicine— is named Medical Director in 1968 and serves until 1983.
1973
Tapestry Gift Shop Opens
The Tapestry Gift Shop opens Jan. 17, joining the Thrift Shop, which opened in 1968, in offering a wide range of affordable gifts and personal items to residents. Both are staffed and managed by the MCH Auxiliary. (Current photo of the Tapestry Gift Shop).
1990
MCH Foundation Established
The T. Franklin Williams, M.D. Foundation is founded. Today, the not-for-profit organization hosts an annual Golf Tournament, Taste of Our Community and other events while seeking charitable support to fund projects directly benefiting resident independence. During the first 25 years of the Golf Tournament, the MCH Foundation raised approximately $1 million and is still held annually.
1991
Ice Storm
MCH’s auditorium was turned into a shelter in the aftermath of the Ice Storm of 1991 to provide temporary housing and aid as the storm paralyzed the Rochester region, leaving many without power or heat for weeks. Today, MCH plays continues to play an important role in the event of a communitywide disaster.
1994
Building Renovations
A Master Facility Update includes a $35 million project to modernize and rebuild portions of MCH's 635,000-square-feet of space over a 10-year period while preserving MCH's historic and unique architecture.
Mid-1990s
Brass Chandelier Room
1998
New Surgeon General
David Satcher, M.D., PH.D., who worked at MCH through the partnership with the University of Rochester Medical Center, is named the 16th Surgeon General of the United States.
1999
Resident Demographics
A patient information statement report stated on May 31 that MCH housed 546 residents (58% female, 42% male).
New Millennium
2000-Today
2019
Game Room Opens
Monroe Community Hospital opens a multi-purpose game room for residents allowing them and their families to participate in a variety of fun activities.
2020
Breaking Barriers
In September, Alyssa Tallo, who had been deputy director, becomes the youngest and only the second female leader in MCH’s history. She is named executive director after serving about four months as acting executive director. Desmond Jackson is also appointed deputy executive director.
2021
Virtual Breakthrough
MCH acquires a C-Mill VR+ virtual technology system to help rehabilitation patients recover safely as they learn to walk again. The technology is made possible through donations from West Herr Auto Group and the MCH Foundation.
2024
'Sim Center'
The MCH Simulation Center opened in April to provide innovative, realistic training for staff in both clinical and nonclinical situations. The center was made possible by an $878,000 grant from the New York State Increasing Training Capacity Program, with support from Monroe County.
2025
Palliative & Hospice Center Opens
MCH unveils several renovated areas, including a new 25-bed Palliative Care & Hospice Center, a training space and study area for its Nurse Aide Training Program, an enclosed outdoor courtyard and pavilion, and repairs to its Greenhouse.
2026
Adjusted for Inflation
The U.S. Inflation Calculator estimates that the original cost to build MCH’s current facility would be roughly $100 million in today's dollars (Feb. 2026), adjusted for inflation.