Trillium Hospital sold

Jackson Citizen Patriot /April 26, 2005
By Bradley Flory

The former Trillium Hospital in Albion will become a 100-bed drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.

Foote Hospital, which acquired the building in bankruptcy court, announced the sale Monday to Narconon Stone Hawk, a rehabilitation center opened two years ago near Battle Creek.

Kate and Per Wickstrom, founders and leaders of Stone Hawk, could not be reached for comment this morning.

Foote released a written statement saying Stone Hawk may open its second facility in Albion by fall.

"We are excited to soon be a part of the Albion community," the Wickstroms were quoted as saying jointly. "This expansion will provide a valuable and needed facility to provide rehabilitory services to Albion and beyond."

The former 61-bed hospital at 809 W. Erie St. has been vacant since Trillium went out of business in 2002.

No purchase price was disclosed. Foote's asking price was $560,000.

"We are pleased that the use of the former Trillium Hospital will continue to serve people with health care needs," Foote CEO Georgia Fojtasek said in a written statement.

"As we explored the Stone Hawk group's offer, it became obvious that they have proven to be a tremendous neighbor and business partner in the Battle Creek community."

As a Narconon facility, Stone Hawk provides drug and alcohol treatment based on principles developed by author L. Ron Hubbard.