VUU says it will fully preserve old Richmond Community Hospital
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- In a significant departure from the demolition plans previously shared by the university, Virginia Union University (VUU) announced Tuesday that it will be preserving the entirety of the old Richmond Community Hospital in Richmond's Northside. On Tuesday, Oct. 22, VUU provided its "final development plans" for new student housing on its campus -- which included an update on the fate of the old Richmond Community Hospital. This piece of history was the first Black-owned hospital in Richmond, established in 1907 by Sarah Garland Jones, the first Black woman in Virginia to earn a medical license. It sits on Overbrook Road in Richmond's Northside, on land owned by VUU. Its future has been in jeopardy for several months now -- but 8News is being told that Tuesday's announcement has given community advocates hope. How did we get here? 8News first reported on this in late February, as VUU announced it wanted to build student housing where the hospital currently stands. Since that day, the university and the surrounding community have been locked in a heated debate. A local advocacy group, Save Community Hospital, has been at the center of efforts to prevent the hospital's demolition. The controversy came to a head when, despite stating in March that "demolition was not the goal," VUU said in early August that it planned partially demolish the hospital. Much of the pushback from the community centered on the Black legacy of the hospital, as well as VUU's position as a Historically Black University (HBU). VUU maintained throughout this process that student housing was needed, saying in August that, despite the move being "unpopular," it was rooted in that need for housing. PREVIOUS: Virginia Union University to demolish part of old Richmond Community Hospital, prompting backlash On Tuesday, a lawyer filed a verified complaint against VUU on behalf of Save Community Hospital. This complaint sought injunctive relief, asking that VUU be prevented from demolishing the hospital in any way. In the complaint, arguments for the preservation of the hospital include it being the only remaining historical structure dedicated to Black medical care in Richmond. That same day, VUU sent out its revised, finalized plans -- which included the announcement that the hospital will no longer be demolished. Instead, the entire structure will be preserved and integrated into the new student housing development. “We have listened closely as the community has spoken throughout this year,” said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, president and CEO of VUU, in the press release. “People have acknowledged Richmond’s need for more housing options, while also wishing to protect the character of neighborhoods and expand amenities. This plan accomplishes all of these goals. The engagement process has worked and we can all be proud that the community has shaped this plan together.” An overview of VUU's finalized plans VUU's revised plans include a reduction in the total number of student apartment units that will be built by about 15%. According to the university, this means less parking will be needed. Additionally, the new plans include neighborhood amenities, such as a fitness and healthy living center that will reportedly "honor the legacy" of the old Richmond Community Hospital. A total of 96 student apartment units -- 29 fewer than originally planned -- will be built at 1209 Overbrook Road, behind the hospital, in a "glab on grade" concept. According to VUU, a glass structure will connect this building to the hospital. The below rendering showcases how the new building is planned to look and how it will not interfere with the historic hospital, which will be entirely preserved. Rendering of revised plans for the old Richmond Community Hospital property. (Rendering provided by Virginia Union University.) VUU said the hospital itself will become the fitness and wellness center mentioned above. "Programming in the structure is anticipated to include fitness facilities and education on nutrition, healthy living and wellness," VUU said in the release. "This will advance the hospital’s historic mission of promoting health and wellness. It will be available for community members, neighbors, and Virginia Union faculty, staff and students." The plans for two other properties involved in this development are as follows: Brook & Lombardy: One-hundred apartment units (80 one-bedroom, 20 two-bedroom) in a mixed-use building. Will include 10,000 square feet of commercial space and 50 parking spaces. 2410-2416 Brook Road: 73 apartment units in a "slab on grade" concept. According to VUU, this is two less apartments than initially planned and all units will be smaller than initially planned. Rendering of revised plans for student apartments at Brook & Lombardy. (Rendering provided by Virginia Union University.)Rendering of revised plans for student apartments at2410-2416 Brook Road. (Rendering provided by Virginia U
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- In a significant departure from the demolition plans previously shared by the university, Virginia Union University (VUU) announced Tuesday that it will be preserving the entirety of the old Richmond Community Hospital in Richmond's Northside.
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, VUU provided its "final development plans" for new student housing on its campus -- which included an update on the fate of the old Richmond Community Hospital.
This piece of history was the first Black-owned hospital in Richmond, established in 1907 by Sarah Garland Jones, the first Black woman in Virginia to earn a medical license. It sits on Overbrook Road in Richmond's Northside, on land owned by VUU.
Its future has been in jeopardy for several months now -- but 8News is being told that Tuesday's announcement has given community advocates hope.
How did we get here?
8News first reported on this in late February, as VUU announced it wanted to build student housing where the hospital currently stands.
Since that day, the university and the surrounding community have been locked in a heated debate. A local advocacy group, Save Community Hospital, has been at the center of efforts to prevent the hospital's demolition.
The controversy came to a head when, despite stating in March that "demolition was not the goal," VUU said in early August that it planned partially demolish the hospital.
Much of the pushback from the community centered on the Black legacy of the hospital, as well as VUU's position as a Historically Black University (HBU). VUU maintained throughout this process that student housing was needed, saying in August that, despite the move being "unpopular," it was rooted in that need for housing.
On Tuesday, a lawyer filed a verified complaint against VUU on behalf of Save Community Hospital. This complaint sought injunctive relief, asking that VUU be prevented from demolishing the hospital in any way.
In the complaint, arguments for the preservation of the hospital include it being the only remaining historical structure dedicated to Black medical care in Richmond.
That same day, VUU sent out its revised, finalized plans -- which included the announcement that the hospital will no longer be demolished. Instead, the entire structure will be preserved and integrated into the new student housing development.
“We have listened closely as the community has spoken throughout this year,” said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, president and CEO of VUU, in the press release. “People have acknowledged Richmond’s need for more housing options, while also wishing to protect the character of neighborhoods and expand amenities. This plan accomplishes all of these goals. The engagement process has worked and we can all be proud that the community has shaped this plan together.”
An overview of VUU's finalized plans
VUU's revised plans include a reduction in the total number of student apartment units that will be built by about 15%. According to the university, this means less parking will be needed.
Additionally, the new plans include neighborhood amenities, such as a fitness and healthy living center that will reportedly "honor the legacy" of the old Richmond Community Hospital.
A total of 96 student apartment units -- 29 fewer than originally planned -- will be built at 1209 Overbrook Road, behind the hospital, in a "glab on grade" concept. According to VUU, a glass structure will connect this building to the hospital.
The below rendering showcases how the new building is planned to look and how it will not interfere with the historic hospital, which will be entirely preserved.
Rendering of revised plans for the old Richmond Community Hospital property. (Rendering provided by Virginia Union University.)
VUU said the hospital itself will become the fitness and wellness center mentioned above.
"Programming in the structure is anticipated to include fitness facilities and education on nutrition, healthy living and wellness," VUU said in the release. "This will advance the hospital’s historic mission of promoting health and wellness. It will be available for community members, neighbors, and Virginia Union faculty, staff and students."
The plans for two other properties involved in this development are as follows:
- Brook & Lombardy: One-hundred apartment units (80 one-bedroom, 20 two-bedroom) in a mixed-use building. Will include 10,000 square feet of commercial space and 50 parking spaces.
- 2410-2416 Brook Road: 73 apartment units in a "slab on grade" concept. According to VUU, this is two less apartments than initially planned and all units will be smaller than initially planned.
Rendering of revised plans for student apartments at Brook & Lombardy. (Rendering provided by Virginia Union University.)
Rendering of revised plans for student apartments at2410-2416 Brook Road. (Rendering provided by Virginia Union University.)
Projects at 1831 Thomas Street and 1801 Rear Bath were also mentioned, but VUU did not provide details beyond that they will "will fill in University-owned vacant lots in the neighborhood on the west side of campus, near Interstate 95."
In addition to preserving the hospital in its entirety, VUU said its legacy will be commemorated in at least two other ways.
New buildings and green spaces will reportedly be named after several Black medical professionals. According to the release, this will include the likes of physician and Black trailblazer Frank Royal, as well as Sarah Garland Jones.
Secondly, VUU's Center for African American History is reportedly gathering both commemorations and oral histories about the hospital and its legacy.
"These will be presented inside the building, and the University welcomes the community to contribute stories and memories of the Richmond Community Hospital," VUU said in the release.
Save Community Hospital told 8News that the news of the hospital's preservation was a huge relief, but stressed that the fight isn't over yet. 8News will provide more details on community reaction to these revised plans later Tuesday night.
