Atkinson, Clement, Memorial Hospital
Why it's listed
Built in 1932 in Coatesville, this red brick complex combines a Colonial Revival house with a one-story hospital wing that was enlarged to two stories in 1937, with further additions in 1955, 1962 and 1969. Dr. Whittier Clement Atkinson opened the four-bed hospital that year for African American patients, who were largely refused care at Coatesville Hospital. It remained open until 1977, serving poor and needy African American and white residents through the 1960s and early 1970s. The hospital was one of only three known black-owned health facilities in Pennsylvania and offered training and practice opportunities to African American physicians and nurses. Its significance lies in providing care during an era of segregation, and in its association with Dr. Atkinson, who also led civic organizations and served on state hospital study commissions. The building retains its combed brick veneer and original window and entrance details.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the complex is significant for its role as one of the few hospitals providing medical care to African Americans in Pennsylvania before the 1970s, and as one of only three known black-owned health facilities in the state. It is also linked to Dr. Atkinson, a physician and community leader who worked against segregation and supported African American medical professionals.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 11000642, listed September 8, 2011. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 822-824 E. Chestnut St., Coatesville City |
|---|---|
| County | Chester County |
| Listed | September 8, 2011 |
| Reference number | 11000642 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1932-1977 |
| Architectural style | Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals/Colonial Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Black, Health/Medicine |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Hospital closed in 1977; the complex was later adapted to become the W. C. Atkinson Memorial Community Center and Apartments, c. 1991. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 39.98884, -75.80818 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 11000642.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5131284
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.