RADFORD (WSLS 10) - A well-known historic site in the New River Valley is struggling to stay alive, ironically it just happens to be in the business of the dead, para-normally speaking.
If you're from Southwest Virginia, you've definitely heard a story or two about the haunting of St. Albans. In the paranormal world, its considered to be one of the most haunted places on the east coast.
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But the building is in danger for different reasons than you may think. Marcelle Hanauer, Director of Operations, is trying to attract more visitors to stay afloat.
"We will be open this year through the end of the year, but who knows what next year holds," Hanauer said.
St. Albans sanatorium was built in 1911. Many believe some of its original tenants still linger in the dark building, including those who work there day in and day out.
Ghosts or no ghosts, there is no denying the eerie dark walkways of the sanatorium will send shivers up your spine, not to mention it was once a controversial mental treatment facility.
"They did electro-convulsive therapy...electric shock," explained Jessica Wright, an administrator who is over historic tours.
Top that history with dark graffiti sprayed by vandals, staged rooms with child playthings and even a few bumps in the night.
Your mind can really wander, but in reality, while the business is rich with history, the business is struggling.
Hanauer says weekly tours open to the public and paranormal investigations aren't enough to pay the bills. With debt surmounting each month, she says it's going to take at least 150-thousand dollars to ensure the business stays open.
"It really just depends on the types of funding we can get to keep the building." She dreams about one day renovating the entire building.
While the condition is perfect for a few scares, it is at risk of demolition. Destruction of the building would be a heart break for those who love the place.
"It would be a shame to see it close. It really would," Hanauer said.
She fears that more than the alleged former residents that are rumored to be in the building. The business is trying to attract more people to the site with more scheduled events.
Next weekend, a paranormal investigator from the TV series "taps" among others will lead the public through St. Albans for a nighttime ghost tour.
For more information on tours click here.