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HONORING A LEGACY
The Enduring Story of St. Elizabeth Place.
Discover the remarkable journey of St. Elizabeth Place, a building that has stood as a beacon of hope and progress in Houston's Fifth Ward, from its origins as a vital hospital to its rebirth as a vibrant apartment community.
Shaping Our Future:
Fifth Ward CRC's Commitment.
Throughout the years, Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation (Fifth Ward CRC) has upheld the belief that we shape our future by shaping our community. The acquisition of the historic St. Elizabeth Place allows Fifth Ward CRC to continue to control the destiny of this vital neighborhood. As a leading advocate for economic and community development in the Fifth Ward district of Houston, TX, this purchase provides our organization control of a historical asset critical in the continued revitalization of the area.
The Original Hospital: A Landmark of Care
The Saint Elizabeth Hospital, located prominently on the Lyons Avenue Corridor in the heart of the Fifth Ward community, was originally constructed in 1947 by the Archdiocese of Galveston. The original building's unique design is in the distinct shape of a capital "E," symbolizing Elizabeth, and was constructed in the elegant, less-ornamented Art Décoratifs-style popular in the late 1940s. A serene chapel separated the two wings, and a Convent was constructed to the east of the main building, now connected by a modern steel concourse walkway. The hospital originally accommodated 60 beds, with additional floors and wings added during the 1950s. A non-historic structure to the southwest was added in the late 1980s.
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​The original structure is a striking three-story building with a partial sunlight basement. Grand stone steps lead to an oversized entrance featuring a beautiful frieze of the hospital's namesake, Saint Elizabeth, crafted in white stone. A stone cross majestically completes the building's imposing nature on the roof, reflecting its original purpose.
The Revitalization: Blending Past with Present​​
After years of vacancy, this historic gem underwent a complete, meticulous revitalization. Our transformation carefully preserved its key architectural features and the spirit of its original design, while introducing state-of-the-art amenities and modern comforts. This process created a unique fusion of history and contemporary living, breathing new life into a cherished landmark.
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Repurposing this landmark is a monumental achievement for the entire Fifth Ward community. St. Elizabeth Place now offers beautiful, mixed-income apartments, honoring the building's rich legacy while contributing significantly to the neighborhood's ongoing revitalization. It embodies the Fifth Ward's vibrant future, offering residents a unique opportunity to live in a piece of history reimagined for today.
Now is the Time to Become Part of the Legacy
We invite you to be a part of our legacy with the St. Elizabeth Paver Fundraiser. We've created a beautiful new walkway in front of our building and are offering a unique way for you to leave a lasting mark. By purchasing an engraved paver, you can honor a loved one, celebrate a family, or commemorate a special memory. These personalized pavers will form the pathway leading to our front door, serving as a permanent tribute to the people who make our community so special.
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Your support goes beyond a simple donation; it’s an investment in the future of St. Elizabeth Place. Every paver helps us maintain our beautiful grounds and continue our commitment to fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for all. To learn more about paver options and to place your order, please get in touch with Joe Toomer at jtoomer@fifthwardcrc.org, or call the Fifth Ward CRC office at (713) 674-0175.
