Cumberland Hospital panoramic photo collage, courtesy of New York City in 60 Seconds

The imposing and stunning Cumberland Hospital building on Auburn Place, now home to the Auburn Family Shelter, opened in 1922.  Over the next few decades, it became the birthplace for many Fort Greene residents, including one of the world’s greatest athletes.  Michael Jordan was born here in 1963 (February 17th to be exact), while his parents had a quick 18-month residency in Brooklyn while his father was training at the nearby Brooklyn Navy Yard.

The hospital itself had been around downtown Brooklyn since 1852, when it originally opened as a dispensary.  It continued to move locations and grow over the 19th century and in 1917 the plans for the existing building at North Portland and Auburn Place were announced.  Due to government budget cuts and hospital consolidations, the hospital ceased operations in 1983 and patients were moved to the new and modern Woodhull Hospital.

In addition to the greatest basketball player, many other African-Americans from Brooklyn were welcomed into the world in this building.  Other people of fame include Mike Tyson, Spike Lee and pro basketball brothers Albert and Bernard King.

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