Richmond, Va. – Today, Richmond City Councilmember Andreas Addison released a statement supporting the preservation of the historic Richmond Community Hospital on the campus of Virginia Union University (VUU). The hospital was built in 1932 and served a critical role for Black patients and healthcare providers who faced discrimination at Richmond’s white hospitals, which remained segregated until the 1950s. The hospital is now slated for demolition as part of VUU’s plan to build up to 200 housing units on adjacent land.

“Richmond Community Hospital was a beacon of hope and compassion for Black Richmonders who, until the 1950s, were turned away from or relegated to basements in segregated hospitals. This building is a testament to the determination and resilience of Black Richmond and the trailblazing doctors, nurses, and researchers who worked to ensure Black patients could access the care they needed.

“There’s no denying that our city is facing a historic housing crisis, and we need to find innovative ways to increase our stock of accessible units. We must also remember that at the root of this crisis is Black displacement, redlining, and the legacy of systemic racism that for too long informed our city’s approach to growth. We cannot repair the sins of our racist past if that means destroying monuments to Richmond’s Black history in the process.

“I urge Virginia Union University to work with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and City Hall to explore any and all possible opportunities to preserve this historic structure and its powerful legacy. The University has my full commitment to help in any way I can to assist in this process.”

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About Andreas Addison

Andreas Addison is a public servant, small business owner, and educator serving the Richmond community for more than 15 years. Addison represents the 1st District on Richmond City Council, where he has a proven track record of fighting for affordable housing, greater connectivity in the region, and investments for greater city services. He is the owner of Pure Fitness RVA in Scott’s Addition and an adjunct professor at UVA in the School of Public Policy. A strong advocate for thriving communities, Addison is committed to a socially equitable, environmentally sustainable, and prosperous Richmond for working families. Addison married his wife, Allison, in 2023, and the couple resides in the Museum District. Join the movement at andreasaddison.com.