The dedicated medical purpose of this facility contributed to the World War II mission as the center for amputation, orthopedic and prosthetic services for Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard veterans residing east of the Rocky Mountains.

"[citation needed] The height was a significant departure from the two- or three-story naval hospital complexes that preceded it.

Detailing the building's interior included such significant features as anodized aluminum heater grates depicting a ship in full sail.

There were residential neighborhoods of Packer Park north of the Naval Hospital property; a South Philadelphia Sports Complex east and southeast of the hospital campus; Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park south and southwest; and on the west side former Navy family residences known as Capehart Housing.

Capehart was also vacated and became Navy surplus until purchased in 2003 by John Westrum and redeveloped on the same site plan and foundations to construct new market rate town home housing named the "Reserve at Packer Park."