Historic Riverside Hospital in Houston's Third Ward set to reopen after restoration

Harris County approved roughly $200 million to acquire and renovate the historic Riverside General Hospital, founded in 1926 as Houston Negro Hospital, and officials say the site is planned to reopen on the last day of Black History Month.

Riverside General Hospital in Houston's Third Ward is being restored and prepared to reopen after more than a decade closed. The facility began in 1926 as Houston Negro Hospital and served Black patients at a time when segregation limited access elsewhere. The building closed in 2015 after operating later as a substance abuse center and facing Medicaid fraud issues. Harris County Commissioners Court approved a plan to acquire and renovate the site with roughly a $200 million investment and to relocate county health services there. Key facts: - Riverside General Hospital opened in 1926 as Houston Negro Hospital and became Houston's first hospital for Black patients. - The hospital closed in 2015 after years of changing uses, including a period as a drug rehabilitation center and subsequent fraud-related problems leading to its abandonment. - Harris County approved about $200 million to acquire and repurpose the building and to move the Harris County Health Department to the site. - Planned services include ACCESS Harris County, which connects people with transportation help, food and financial assistance, and housing and shelter resources. - Community members and former volunteers, including 92-year-old Dorothy Booker, said they welcome the chance to return to the building's halls. Summary: The county-backed renovation is intended to restore a historic community facility and expand wraparound services near the Texas Medical Center. Officials say the site is planned to reopen on the last day of Black History Month. The project carries cultural significance for residents, former staff and those who were born or volunteered there.