Costa Rica News – Though the complex of buildings that once housed the Carlos Duran Sanatorium is clearly part of Costa Rica’s architectural heritage, a lack of funds has temporarily stalled its restoration.
You may remember this place from a Ghost Hunters International episode or have heard that it’s the most haunted place in Costa Rica. The rundown nature, graffiti covered walls and ghost stories are enough to give anyone the chills, but still it should be restored due to its significance to the country.
Neither the farmers’ association that owns the property or the Heritage Center of the Ministry of Culture has the resources to invest in this restoration. In an official declaration, 24 reasons explaining its historical, cultural and architectural significance were given.
The hospital was a treatment center for tuberculosis from 1918-1973. It was the only medical center in all of Central America to meet the highest standards of quality at that time.
Upanacional, the farmers’ association, spends ¢7,300,000 per month on salaries, utilities, cleaning, landscaping, security, administration and maintenance of the farm and dairy. The owners say that no law can compel them to invest in a multimillion dollar refurbishment if they don’t have the resources. They plan to sustain it but not restore it.
