Former L. Richardson Memorial Hospital, historic hospital building located at Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina, United States
The Former L. Richardson Memorial Hospital is a three-story brick building in Greensboro that opened in 1927 as the first modern hospital in the city built specifically for African American residents. The structure, designed in Mission Revival style with stuccoed walls and rounded roof shapes, was later expanded with additional wings in the 1930s and 1940s.
The hospital was established in 1923 when Charles H. Moore and Dr. S. P. Sebastian began fundraising efforts, with support from donors including the Richardson family who founded Vick Chemical Company. It officially opened in 1927 with modern equipment and a nursing school that launched in 1929.
During segregation, this was the only hospital in Greensboro where African American residents could seek medical care when other facilities refused them service. It represented community determination and became a symbol of self-help when official institutions failed to serve everyone equally.
The building is located on South Benbow Road in Greensboro and is easy to spot due to its distinctive Mission Revival architecture. Since it no longer operates as a hospital but now serves as senior housing, visitors should be aware that interior access may be limited.
The building was purchased by Vencor in late 1993 and underwent a major renovation costing several million dollars to become senior housing while preserving its original exterior. This transformation shows how historic structures can be adapted for contemporary community needs while maintaining their architectural character.
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