Renovating Houston’s historic Riverside Hospital
In the heart of Houston’s Third Ward, a major transformation is underway. Skanska is partnering with Harris County to revamp the historic Riverside Hospital, a site that was once a beacon of hope and healing for Houston’s Black community. With a $20 million renovation project now in progress, this landmark will be ready to serve the community again soon, this time for innovation, research and opportunity.
Originally opened in 1927, Riverside Hospital was the first nonprofit hospital in Houston dedicated to Black patients and home to the city’s first school for training Black nurses. For decades, it was a symbol of resilience and progress during a time of deep segregation.
The hospital’s legacy is personal for many, including Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who was born there. After closing its doors in 2015, the 4.3-acre site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Revitalizing a landmark for Harris County
From the start, the project team has approached the work with respect for the site, its legacy and the people it served. That commitment is shown in every decision, from preserving architectural details to ensuring the new spaces exceed expectations, are community-focused and reflect the history that the building holds.
The renovation spans 20,772 square feet and includes the main hospital building, a former nursing school and a utility building. Once complete, the building will feature modern office spaces, research and development labs, assembly areas, and support facilities designed to serve the ever-changing needs of the community.
This project, which is focused on historical preservation and adaptive reuse, is targeting LEED certification. Additionally, integrating energy-efficient systems throughout the century-old facility reinforces the team’s commitment to sustainable building practices.
“The building’s exterior will be as close to the original look as possible. Inside, there will be exposed brick and original plaster walls with a new coat of paint,” says Aidan Bell, project engineer. “The design team is working to maintain as many of the original features as possible while still giving it a fresh makeover.”
As construction progresses, the Riverside Hospital project is already sparking conversations throughout the community. It’s a reminder that buildings are more than structures - they’re filled with history, memories and hope.
Discover more: Building on Houston’s history
“This project is more than a renovation. It’s a revival of history and a commitment to the future of public health in Harris County,” says Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Precinct One – Houston, Texas.
In this video, hear from Commissioner Rodney, Superintendent Caleb Hundley and other key project stakeholders, as they explore the historical context of Riverside Hospital, and how the project team is approaching the renovation.
“We’re trying to make this a place that is inviting and receptive, a place where we can put an emphasis on health back in the community, and just a place to go if you’re ever in need,” says Caleb.