Richmond residents are fighting to save a historic Black hospital

The big picture: Virginia Union University has a $40 million plan to develop up to 200 market-rate housing units on the land where the hospital — deemed unsalvageable by VUU officials last month — stands.

• Residents fear that means demolition, and have begun organizing to save the hospital to protect its legacy.
• It's been left vacant since 1980, when the hospital moved to its location in Church Hill and ownership fell back to VUU.

The latest: In a community meeting last week, Vice President Franklin Patterson said VUU wants to "repurpose," not demolish, the hospital, WRIC reported.

• He didn't publicly commit to preserving the building, wrote WRIC, leaving residents — some of whom were born and treated in that hospital — with more questions.
• State delegates, city councilors and historic preservation organizations have also joined the call to rescue the building.

The intrigue: VUU officials have pointed to Northside's need for more affordable housing.

• Those who oppose demolition believe the university can make the hospital part of the project as a museum.

What's next: Monthly community gatherings will take place at the hospital site to honor the history and discuss its future.