Wheatley-Provident Hospital facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wheatley-Provident Hospital |
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Southeast side and front door
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| Location | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Elevation | 817 ft |
| Built | 1903 |
| Original use | St. Joseph's Parochial School |
| Rebuilt | June 1, 1918 |
| Restored by | 1826 Forest Re Holdings LLC |
| Current use | Historical restoration |
| Owner | 1826 Forest Re Holdings LLC |
The Wheatley-Provident Hospital is a very important historic building. It is located at 1826 Forest Avenue in the 18th and Vine District of Kansas City, Missouri. This hospital was started in 1902. It became the first hospital in Kansas City specifically for Black people.
Contents
A Hospital's Journey
Early Beginnings
The idea for the hospital began in 1902. Dr. John Edward Perry started a small hospital and a school. This school trained nurses. In 1910, this place was called Perry Sanitarium and Nurse Training Association. It was located at 1214 Vine.
A New Home and Purpose
On June 1, 1918, the hospital moved to a bigger building. This move was possible because of a big fundraising effort. People raised about $25,000 to buy the new building. The building at 1826 Forest Avenue was built in 1903. It was first used as St. Joseph's Parochial School.
After the move, it was renamed Wheatley-Provident Hospital. It became Kansas City's first hospital for Black people. Dr. Perry continued to lead the hospital. His wife, Fredericka Douglass Sprague Perry, also helped. She was the granddaughter of the famous Frederick Douglass.
Growing and Closing
In 1925, a special wing for children was added. This helped even more young patients. By 1971, the hospital had helped over 50,000 people. The hospital closed its doors in 1972.
Saving a Landmark
The Wheatley-Provident Hospital is a very important part of history. In 2007, it was added to the Kansas City Register of Historic Places. Then, in October 2020, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For a while, the building was empty and not cared for. It was even in danger of being torn down by 2017. But thankfully, this historic building was saved. In 2021, work began to fix it up. The current owner is 1826 Forest Re Holdings LLC. They are working to restore the building. They hope to rent out office spaces, especially to medical businesses. This would honor the building's past as a hospital.
More to Explore
- City workhouse castle, another historic building in the 18th and Vine area
- History of the Kansas City metropolitan area
- List of points of interest in Kansas City, Missouri
