After more than a decade of abandonment, Quito’s historic San Lázaro Hospital is set to undergo a major restoration project aimed at preserving the structure and giving it a new purpose.
The building, located in the city’s Historic Center, has been out of service since 2012. Over the years, lack of maintenance has led to severe deterioration, with humidity and insect damage weakening wooden structures and leaving large sections in disrepair. A fire in 2023, linked to unauthorized occupation of the site, further worsened its condition.
City officials have now outlined a plan to restore the complex in phases, with total investment estimated at around $6.5 million. The first stage will focus on the chapel, with a budget of approximately $550,000 dedicated to restoring original features such as wooden altarpieces, wall paintings, and structural woodwork.
The larger portion of the funding will go toward rehabilitating the eastern and western cloisters, where extensive civil works are required. These upgrades will include modern infrastructure such as fiber optic systems, security features, and internal utilities, all while preserving the original adobe construction dating back to the 18th century.
The project has faced delays in the past due to technical and legal issues, but authorities say work is expected to begin in the coming weeks. The timeline for completion is estimated at about seven months, potentially extending into early next year.
Once restored, the building will no longer function as a hospital. Instead, plans call for it to serve as a cultural and administrative space. The chapel is expected to be adapted into an auditorium for events and sacred music, while other areas of the complex will house municipal offices and facilities focused on mental health services.
The restoration marks one of the most significant recent efforts to preserve a historic structure in Quito, where many heritage buildings face similar risks from neglect and aging infrastructure.