The Virginia Department of Historic Resources on Tuesday announced that it has named Danville’s Winslow Hospital to the Virginia Landmarks Register, which is the commonwealth’s official list of places of historical, architectural, archaeological, and cultural significance.
Built in 1940 on Betts Street in the Almagro community, the Winslow Hospital was the first and only hospital in Danville constructed specifically to serve the African American community during segregation and the Civil Rights Movement.
Mayor Alonzo Jones said the designation is great news for the community. “The Winslow Hospital is an important part of the history of our city,” he said. “I am pleased the Housing Authority acquired this property and was able to get the historic designation.”
City Manager Ken Larking said that he looks forward to seeing the building back in beneficial use.
“This historic designation will improve the chances that the building is redeveloped and becomes a contributing part of the Almagro neighborhood,” Larking said. “The City’s Plan Danville comprehensive planning process put a special emphasis on this neighborhood, and we know from resident feedback how important this structure is to them and Danville.”
The Danville Redevelopment & Housing Authority (DRHA) purchased the building last year.
“DRHA is delighted with the state's decision to add this property to the registry,” said Donald Paredez, chief executive officer of the DRHA. “This designation will ensure that the Winslow Hospital remains a vital part of the past and future of the Almagro community and the city of Danville.”
Operated by African American physicians and staff, the hospital played a critical role in treating the victims of Bloody Monday on June 10, 1963. This event, marked by violence against demonstrators protesting segregation and racial discrimination in Danville, stands as one of the most intense incidents of the Civil Rights Movement in Virginia. The hospital closed in 1971 when medical services in Danville were fully integrated at the former Danville Memorial Hospital.
The Winslow Hospital was one of 12 sites that the Commonwealth’s Board of Historic Resources approved for listing in the Virginia Landmarks Register during its meeting on June 20. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources will forward the documentation for these newly listed sites to the National Park Service for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
Listing a property on the state or national registers is honorary and sets no restrictions on what owners may do with their property, according to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. The designation is foremost an invitation to learn about and experience authentic and significant places in Virginia’s history. Designating a property on the state or national registers — either individually or as a contributing building in a historic district — provides an owner the opportunity to pursue historic rehabilitation tax credit improvements to the building. Tax credit projects must comply with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.