Historic Black Hospital in Columbia to Be Revived
A historic building that once stood as a lifeline for Columbia’s Black community will soon have a new purpose. City officials have approved a plan to restore one of Columbia’s first Black hospitals, originally founded by Dr. W.D. Chapelle Jr., into housing.
The hospital, known as the People’s Infirmary, opened around 1914 at the corner of Gervais and Harden Street. It was built to serve Black residents who were denied care at white-only hospitals. For more than a decade, the infirmary treated patients in the Waverly community before closing in 1927.
Today, the building is set to undergo a transformation into a two-unit housing facility under the Bailey Bill, a program that encourages historic preservation by offsetting costs for developers.
Dr. W.D. Chapelle Jr. and His Legacy
The infirmary was operated by Dr. W.D. Chapelle Jr., one of South Carolina’s first Black doctors. His leadership helped provide essential medical care to African Americans at a time when segregation and racial injustice blocked them from access to white-run facilities.
Reverend Michael Buckson, pastor of a nearby church named after Chapelle’s father, emphasized the importance of the hospital’s role in history. “It was a life-saving station,” he said. “This entire community, we’re looking forward to every chance that we get to restore.”
The restoration will not only honor Chapelle’s legacy but also remind residents of the strength and resourcefulness of Columbia’s Black community during segregation.
Preservation Plans and Community Impact
The restoration project was approved with the condition that the building must meet historic preservation guidelines. This ensures that the original character of the People’s Infirmary is protected and showcased for future generations.
Betsy Kleinfelder, a preservation planner with the city, explained the importance of the project: “It’s really going to stand out and show the prominence and success of the Waverly Place community. Having that building protected and saved… is something we really value to make sure that history gets shared and continues.”
Developers will focus on reviving the building’s original appearance while adapting it for modern residential use. The effort will give the property new life while still paying respect to its historic role.
Inspiring Growth in the Five Points Area
Community leaders see the project as more than just historic preservation. Many believe it will inspire new growth and pride in the Five Points area.
“To see this building restored, it will remind us of what was, but at the same time inspire us to what can be,” Rev. Buckson said.
The Bailey Bill gives developers two years to complete the restoration. Once finished, the former infirmary will not only serve as a place to live but also as a reminder of Columbia’s Black history and resilience.
