Editor’s note: The writer shared this letter to the Virginia Union University Board of Trustees.

Dear Dr. Richardson and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Board of Trustees, Virginia Union University,

My name is Selden Richardson, and I am a historian in Richmond, Virginia, and author of “Built by Blacks: African American Architecture and Neighborhoods in Richmond.” I am writing to you today in an urgent appeal on a subject vital to the future of Virginia Union University, the enormous potential of an asset located on campus, and VUU’s responsibilities as a historically important Black college.

The asset I refer to is the building which was the former Richmond Community Hospital. I am sure you have seen the reaction of the community to the plans to destroy the hospital building and replace it with a new residence hall, and I ask you, as the keepers of the heart and soul of this school, to reconsider and halt Dr. Lucas’ ambitious and misplaced ideas for “improvement” of this site.

I need not remind you, as members of the Board of Trustees, that you have an obligation to perform due diligence regarding all facets of this proposed development, the first being does destruction of this African American heritage site really conform to the Mission Statement, which proudly proclaims, “Virginia Union University is nurtured by its African American heritage…”? 

Does this truly further the mission of the University? Or are there less lofty processes at work involving the relationship between the Steinbridge development group and the Administration?

Perhaps the core question, for the Board of Trustees (who I assume are for the most part of African American descent), how can you possibly countenance the utter destruction of this historically important and once vital part of the African American community in Richmond? The very name of your committee implies trust, and trust in this case is another name for stewardship of resources. The former Richmond Community Hospital building is in your care and you are responsible, and this is not a resource to squander.

I researched and wrote the history of what was then known as the Leigh Street Armory in Jackson Ward and am solely responsible for that building being on both the State and National Register of Historic Places. The Armory, built by

Richmond Blacks in 1895, was, like the Community Hospital, neglected for decades. It is now regarded as an architectural treasure and is the home of the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia.

The once ruinous building has become recognized on a national level as a vital part of telling the history of Blacks in Virginia. The story of the former armory perfectly illustrates the potential for the former Community Hospital building when given the proper vision and creative design, and the amazing transformations that are possible with imagination and drive.

I would like to volunteer to do the necessary research and write the nomination, attend the meetings and shepherd the paperwork through for the former Richmond Community Hospital to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I believe it is eminently qualified for this honor. An extensive discovery of the history of this building would show the world the heroic efforts made by people of little or no means, during the worst economic crisis this country has ever seen, to ensure modern and efficient health care where patients and doctors alike were treated with racial dignity.

A complete account of the Richmond Community

Hospital building would also demonstrate clearly the importance of this building to African American Richmonders, the surrounding community, and the city at large.

All that is necessary to turn this building into an amazing addition to the campus of VUU is your vision, and your help.

Consider the people who came before you, what this hospital building meant to them, and what a powerful addition to the already astonishing history of Virginia Union University a restored, repurposed and rejuvenated Richmond Community Hospital building will make.