Posted on: July 28, 2025
A historic hospital in Houston’s Fifth Ward has been transformed into affordable housing, marking a significant milestone for the community. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the redevelopment project took place today, July 28, 2025.
The project, spearheaded by the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation and Cloudbreak Communities, has turned the former St. Elizabeth Hospital into 85 new apartment homes. This initiative aims to provide affordable housing while preserving the historic character of the building.
“This place had been like a lot of our institutions, turned to ashes, and what they did is they took those ashes and made fertilizer,” said State Representative Harold Dutton, reflecting on the transformation of the historic site.
The redevelopment of St. Elizabeth Hospital is part of a broader effort to revitalize Houston’s Fifth Ward, a community with deep historical roots.
The hospital, originally built by the Sisters of Charity in 1947, provided crucial healthcare services to African-American families who were underserved due to racial segregation.
The project received significant support from various stakeholders, including the City of Houston, the Housing and Community Development Department, and several elected officials. The city invested over $17 million in community development block grant disaster recovery funds to support the redevelopment.
The ceremony included the dedication of commemorative bricks to honor community leaders such as Alvin Byrd and a brick in memory of the late Celia Jackson Lane.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including state and city officials, who praised the collaborative efforts that made the project possible. The redevelopment is seen as a symbol of hope and resilience for the Fifth Ward, providing not only housing but also a renewed sense of community.
The transformation of St. Elizabeth Hospital into affordable housing is a testament to the power of community collaboration and historic preservation. As residents begin to move into their new homes, the project stands as a beacon of progress and opportunity in Houston’s Fifth Ward.
More on the Project:
https://www.vmwp.com/projects/st-elizabeth-place-historic-adaptive-reuse/
Posted in: News