Posted on: July 28, 2025
Full Source: KHOU 11
Author: Jason Miles
St. Elizabeth’s Hospital originally opened in 1947 to serve the African-American community during segregation.
The former St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is where generations of African-American families came into the world and where many gathered again Monday morning.
“We thank you, oh God, for the rebirth,” said a local pastor.
An official ribbon cutting marked a new chapter in the landmark’s nearly 80-year history.
“I worked here for 10 years, I was an X-ray tech,” said Joyce Luter. “And my two youngest kids were born here.”
Luter and her sister, Mary Ann, both brought personal connections.
“My first job was here at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital was as a candy striper,” said Mary Ann Luter.
The historic building on Lyons Avenue fell into disrepair after its closure and was resuscitated into mixed-income apartments called St. Elizabeth Place thanks to a four-year, $29 million overhaul.
Major transformation in Houston’s Fifth Ward: the historic (and once abandoned) St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is now a mixed-income housing complex. I’ll have more on the project that’s been years in the making on @KHOU at 5:00 #khou11 pic.twitter.com/4NgXvFs1q2
— Jason Miles (@JMilesKHOU) July 28, 2025
“This day is a long time coming, but it has been worth the wait,” said Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation President Kathy Flanagan Payton.
She said 51% of the apartments are reserved for low-income families while the remainder are market rate.
“It’s our response to gentrification,” said Flanagan Payton. “Protecting the legacy residents who’ve been here for a while, giving low-income families access and opportunity … but also be welcoming and inviting to newcomers.”
Pamela Jakes was born in the hospital and has been considering coming back to the old neighborhood.
“As I walked down the hallway, I can’t explain it to you, what I felt,” said Jakes. “Like “I’ve been here before.”
The touchstone to the past will continue to serve the community, only in a different way.
More on the project:
https://www.vmwp.com/projects/st-elizabeth-place-historic-adaptive-reuse/
Posted in: News