By 2000, Byberry saw an explosion of people visiting the abandoned hospital. The internet offered extremely exaggerated stories and legends, as well as tips on gaining access to the abandoned buildings while avoiding police and security. Satanists held ceremonies on the grounds, and amid reports of dead animals being found, the police were frequent visitors. By 2003, the Philadelphia State Hospital at Byberry site was a complete and utter ruin; graffiti covered every buildings exterior and interior, every window was smashed, and anything flammable remaining when the hospital closed was now ashes. The residents of Somerton were now pressuring the City of Philadelphia to end the "Byberry Problem" once and for all. The city responded by sealing the buildings up with plywood and changing security contractors. However, the boarded windows just made it easier for trespassers to conceal themselves. Demolition Westrum Development purchased the property and hired Geppert Bros. Inc. to demolish the buildings, while Delta B.J.D.S. Inc. was hired to remove hazardous materials; such as lead paint, and asbestos. Abatement and demolition started with "C" buildings, followed by the "W" buildings, and ended with the "N" buildings. On June 14, 2006, a ceremony was held to celebrate the complete demolition of the former Byberry hospital, and the future construction by Westrum Development of "The Arbours at Eagle Pointe" a 332-unit active adult club house community featuring single homes, town, and carriage homes. Popular culture The Byberry facility is a featured location in the Haunted Philadelphia pop-up books series by photographer Colette Fu. References External links The Story of Byberry Abandoned Photography, Philadelphia State Hospital (Byberry) Photographs of Byberry Philadelphia State Hospital - Asylum Projects SCARED! Philadelphia State Hospital Hospital buildings completed in 1907 Psychiatric hospitals in Pennsylvania Hospitals established in 1907 Hospitals in Philadelphia Landmarks in Philadelphia Defunct hospitals in Pennsylvania Demolished buildings and structures in Pennsylvania 1907 establishments in Pennsylvania Northeast Philadelphia