As an alumna of Virginia Union University and a longtime resident of Richmond, I find it hard to believe, and digest, that my beloved alma mater is so callously dismissing the intrinsic value of this landmark, Richmond Community Hospital, in an historic part of the city, which includes the neighborhood that produced so many of the leaders entrenched in the uplifting of the Black community.
Thank you for your recent editorial, “Don’t pull plug on historic hospital, VUU” and the coverage of Virginia Union’s development plans, which omit the old Richmond Community Hospital building on Overbrook Road.
We live in a city chock-full of adaptive reuses, including of the former Westhampton School building by Bon Secours. Shouldn t we be as passionate about preserving our our bricks-and-mortar Black history while it s still above ground?
Without question, it’s good news that Virginia Union University is partnering with New York investor The Steinbridge Group to build about 200 general-use residences along the campus’ north edge.