Sep 10, 2026 - Development

Ghost stories follow Merle Hay Tower redevelopment pitch

Jason Clayworth

Urban scene showing a tall beige office building with vertical tan panels and many windows, a satellite dish on the roof, a purple awning at the entrance, and a parking lot with several cars in front. — Merle Hay Towers. Photo: Google Maps

The vacant Merle Hay Tower that could become affordable senior housing has long been the subject of local haunting lore.

Driving the news: Developers pitch the $19.5 million housing proposal to state officials Thursday as part of a competition for up to $14 million in federal housing tax credits.

Zoom in: Stories include unexplained footsteps, elevators moving on their own and sightings of a ghostly nun carrying an infant.

Flashback: The mall was built on the site of the former St. Gabriel's Passionist Monastery, which was demolished in 1958 before the shopping center opened.

The bottom line: Whether or not you believe the ghost stories, the tower already has plenty of history.

🫣 Worthy of your time: This video from inside the tower and Axios' exploration of the mall's creepy basement.

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Ghost stories follow Merle Hay Tower redevelopment pitch

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