Wright became Detroit 's first full - time Health Officer .
In 1883 the city purchased a site , which would eventually become the site of the Herman Kiefer Complex , to build a hospital that would accommodate 50 people .
Wright became Detroit 's first full - time Health Officer , and in 1883 the city purchased a site , which would eventually become the site of the Herman Kiefer Complex , to build a hospital that would accommodate 50 people .