Proposed redevelopment of the historic Holy Cross Hospital site in Austin, integrating modern designs with historical significance.
Redevelopment plans are underway for the historic Holy Cross Hospital site in Austin, which once served as a beacon of medical care from 1950 until 1989. The proposal hints at a mixed-use project including residential units and commercial space after years of neglect. The community is eager to take part in the planning process, ensuring the site’s rich history is honored in future developments.
Austin is buzzing with excitement as plans for the redevelopment of the historic Holy Cross Hospital site begin to take shape. Located at 2600 E. MLK Blvd., this patch of land has seen better days, often serving as a canvas for graffiti, but now it stands at the brink of a new era.
The site isn’t just any piece of real estate; it carries a rich history. Once the home of the Capital Area Research and Radiation Center, the site played a significant role in progressing medical care in the area. The Holy Cross Hospital itself operated from 1950 until 1989, known for providing some of the best medical services in Austin. It was actually the first hospital in the city to employ Black doctors and treat Black patients, making it a beacon of hope and progress during an era of segregation.
After moving to its location on MLK Boulevard in 1951, thanks to federal funding, the hospital continued to make strides in healthcare. With the addition of a nursing wing designed by the architect Charles Henry Page, it showcased stunning New Deal architecture. In 1956, the facility even introduced a pioneering research center for cancer treatment, complete with thick walls designed for radiation therapy.
Unfortunately, due to years of neglect, the original hospital and nursing wing have already been demolished. What remains is a structure containing radioactive materials that are deemed unsafe for reuse. This situation has led to the Historic Landmark Commission considering a redevelopment permit to clear the site and make way for new development.
The proposed plans hint at a mixed-use project that remains a bit fuzzy in specifics. However, intriguing renderings suggest the construction of a new seven-story building that will primarily consist of residential units, along with possible ground-floor commercial space. This redevelopment, nearly thirty-five years after the hospital closed its doors, is bringing hope for rejuvenation in the neighborhood.
During a recent meeting, the Historic Landmark Commission postponed their decision to ensure that the community has a chance to voice their thoughts about the redevelopment. Residents are eager to make sure their voices are heard as the site carries historical importance for many local families.
Berri McBride, a local hero who was even born at the original hospital, has been leading efforts to preserve the site’s legacy. In 2021, she helped establish the Rogers Washington-Holy Cross historic district, providing protective zoning for this predominantly Black neighborhood. McBride is actively working with the Texas Historical Commission to help secure formal recognition of the Holy Cross site, hoping to gain a designation and a plaque to commemorate its significance.
At the Landmark Commission meeting, there was a palpable sense of hope that the new development will honor the rich history of Holy Cross Hospital. There has been significant emphasis on what happened back in 1991, when several abrupt demolitions took place, and the community is keen to apply lessons learned and ensure that new constructions incorporate historical considerations.
The developer’s legal team has mentioned it plans to include historic elements in the new design. One idea is to create a mural that tells the story of Holy Cross Hospital, potentially facing the nearby Campbell Elementary School, allowing local kids to learn about their community’s rich medical heritage.
The Historic Landmark Commission plays an essential role in promoting preservation while reviewing applications for historic zoning in Austin. It’s clear that there is both excitement and a sense of responsibility as Austin prepares to reshape the story of Holy Cross Hospital, ensuring that it will be a part of the town’s narrative for years to come.
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