Virginia Baptist Hospital Adaptive Reuse Feasibility Study FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

About Virginia Baptist Hospital (VBH)

How much land does Centra own at VBH? 

The total amount of Centra-owned land at the Virginia Baptist Hospital campus is 29 acres, with land fronting along Rivermont Avenue, Rivermont Terrace, Oak Lane, and Vassar Street. The main block of the hospital is 19.8 acres. 

What is the square footage of buildings located on the VBH campus? 

There is more than 537,000 square feet of space in buildings (excluding the parking deck). The parking deck adds another 120,400 square feet. This totals more than 657,400 square feet, which is equivalent to the size of more than 6 Home Depot stores!

How old is Virginia Baptist Hospital? 

The original Main building was constructed in 1924. During VBH's 100-year history, a dozen additions and buildings have been constructed on the campus. The most recent building addition was the Carter Addition in 1990 and the parking deck in 1994. 

Is VBH in the Rivermont historic district?

The buildings at VBH are not individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places but are contributing buildings in a State and National Historic District, as well as the City of Lynchburg Local Historic District. The buildings that front along Rivermont Avenue (green hatched areas) are located in the Rivermont Historic District. Stanhope Johnson, a well-recognized architect and Lynchburg native, designed the Main and Mundy buildings.

What types of medical services are provided at Virginia Baptist Hospital today? 

Many services are provided at VBH. These include: mother/baby, neonatal intensive care, childbirth and family education clinic, and labor and delivery; women’s specialty clinic; pediatric specialty clinic; rehab therapy; adult, child, adolescent, and geriatric psychology; laboratory, phlebotomy, and blood bank; ambulatory surgery; cancer treatment and infusion therapy; sleep laboratory; respiratory therapy; hospital museum; and others.

How many people are employed at Virginia Baptist Hospital?

Centra and Liberty University are the largest employers in the city of Lynchburg (toggling between 1st and 2nd place). Systemwide, Centra employs more than 7,600 caregivers, 500 providers and physicians, and a medical staff of nearly 800 professionals. 

Adaptive Reuse Feasibility Study

What is the Adaptive Reuse Feasibility Study? 

This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the existing Virginia Baptist property by stepping back and considering an entire range of possible uses that could be adapted to repurpose the campus and buildings in a way that contributes to Lynchburg’s quality of life and local economy. The purpose of the study is threefold:

• Campus Assessment – to understand existing facilities; identify opportunities and constraints
• Engagement – to increase awareness and seek input from neighbors, employees, and the greater community about potential future uses; identify potential partners
• Design and Reuse Alternatives – to determine feasible alternatives for reuse by understanding the market, examining case studies, and evaluating options

Will neighbors and the community have an opportunity to provide input about future uses on the campus? 

Yes, part of the process involves seeking input from neighbors and the community about what they might envision happening here. While Centra must ultimately decide the future of VBH, it is crucial for Centra’s leaders to hear your ideas and concerns. This “qualitative” data will be combined with “quantitative” data (financial numbers, square footage, etc.) to arrive at a preferred option.

What does the input process look like? 

An iterative planning process is being used, which means that the input received at each stage of the planning effort is designed to provide useful knowledge to inform future phases. For example, at the January neighbor and employee open houses, important words will be collected to shape goals. The community will then have the opportunity to review goal statements and provide feedback on them in February. The final goal statements will then serve as an evaluation tool in March as we examine potential reuse alternatives for VBH.

Who is Centra working with to evaluate the VBH campus and buildings for reuse? 

Centra has hired Progressive Companies, a multi-disciplinary architecture/planning/engineering firm with offices in Durham, North Carolina and Grand Rapids, Michigan. They have subcontracted with Lynchburg-based Architectural Partners, and two firms based out of Atlanta; one focused on healthcare (Hendrick Associates) and the other on redevelopment (DaVinci). 

Modernization Plan

Why did Centra not include VBH in its Modernization Plan? 

For the past 39 years, Centra has operated two hospitals in Lynchburg, which are only three miles apart. During VBH's 100-year history, a dozen buildings and additions have been constructed on the campus. Many of the rooms and corridors are not sized properly for modern healthcare. Other hospital-related functions, such as a helipad, are not compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. 

• A standard double-loaded corridor with patient rooms on both sides requires 60' of width (room/corridor/room) and up to 80' when nursing stations are incorporated. Many existing corridors at VBH are nearly half that, measuring 35' to 45' in width.
• A helipad was used in the 1990’s but was later removed due to neighbor complaints.

Centra desires to be a good neighbor. The demand and growth of medical care in the greater Lynchburg area required a more comprehensive approach that is not compatible in scale and intensity with surrounding residential uses in the Rivermont neighborhood. 

Given the age and size of the buildings and grounds at Virginia Baptist, a development partner who can successfully invest and repurpose the campus is the best option for VBH’s next chapter. 

Will all of Centra’s healthcare services move out of VBH? 

The Adaptive Reuse Feasibility Study will help validate what, if any, services should remain - although it is expected that most services will be relocated. It is also intended to assist in identifying potential off-site opportunities for Centra to consolidate facilities that may be leased or owned, which could be located on the VBH campus, to maintain a presence. The Modernization Timeline graphic preliminarily depicts anticipated moving dates and where major functions will be relocated to. As programming continues, the moving dates of more functions will be announced. 

When will the new hospitals, medical offices, and tower be complete? 

Opened December 2025: Centra Langhorne Medical Center, a 5-story modern medical office building to consolidate multiple specialty clinics in one convenient, welcoming location.

Opening Spring 2026: At Centra Simons Run Medical Campus, in partnership with Lifepoint Health affiliates, two new hospitals, Centra Behavioral Health Hospital and Centra Rehabilitation Hospital, will offer expanded access and advanced capabilities.

Opening Fall 2028: The new, state-of-the-art 6-floor Tower A now under construction at Lynchburg General Hospital will feature: on the 1st floor, a new Emergency Department with an Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing (EmPATH) unit; on the 2nd floor, a new surgical unit with 12 operating rooms; on the 3rd and 4th floors, a new maternity unit (a labor and delivery unit, a mother/baby unit, and an intensive care nursery); on the 5th  floor, a medical-surgical unit, and on the 6th floor, offices and mechanical space. 

When will Virginia Baptist Hospital close? 

There currently is no specific “closing” date for Virginia Baptist Hospital. Many of the hospital’s major functions will be relocated by the Fall of 2028 (see Q.12). It is possible, however, that some functions may remain, or other Centra operations from other locations could be relocated to the Virginia Baptist campus. As part of the Adaptive Reuse Feasibility Study, additional evaluation of options will be examined, which is why there is no specific date. 

VBH will continue operations until the Centra Board of Directors makes a formal decision to decommission the hospital, which has not occurred.

Will the modernization plan help retain and attract medical professionals to the area? 

Yes. We recognize that the market for well-qualified medical professionals is highly competitive. New facilities speak to the value placed on our medical professionals and their working environment. Workplace safety, opportunities for increased collaboration, and workflow efficiency are key design priorities for new facilities that aim to enhance the employee experience. 

Where will the mother-baby unit move to? 

A new maternity unit (a labor and delivery unit, a mother/baby unit, and an intensive care nursery) will be located in new Tower A at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital.

Does the Langhorne Medical Center replace the medical offices at VBH? 

Yes. Centra’s multiple specialty clinics are now located under one roof. The Langhorne Medical Center offers outpatient services, including Urology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Pulmonology, Bariatrics, Sleep Medicine, Pain Management, Outpatient Rehabilitation, and Surgical Specialties. 

What emergency services are available in Lynchburg? 

Virginia Baptist does not have an emergency department. A new emergency department is being constructed as part of new Tower A at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital, which will feature surgical rooms located one floor above the new ED. As a Level 2 Trauma Center, more resources will be readily available at LGH. Additionally, a $5 million investment is being made to renovate and expand the emergency facilities at Southside Community Hospital in Farmville.

How much is Centra investing in its Modernization Plan? 

Centra’s Modernization Plan is generating $657 million in additional investment and nearly $1 billion in new economic activity in the Lynchburg area. Over the course of these projects, this new economic activity is expected to have created approximately 4,100 new jobs in the region, primarily in services related to construction, engineering, retail, hospitality, and other sectors. Through the Modernization Plan, the community will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, enhancing access for the community. To date, no public economic incentives (tax dollars) have been used to construct Centra’s new facilities. 

Will the consolidation of facilities result in staff layoffs? 

Wherever possible, Centra intends to protect the jobs of employees who work at the VBH campus. Most employees will be relocated to new facilities at the same time the function/department is moved to other Centra facilities. In the case of certain services, such as behavioral health and inpatient rehabilitation, which will move to other locations, Centra’s strategic partners will offer employment to Centra staff whose function/department is being transferred to a new facility. Repositioning Centra facilities is a significant way to deliver care in the best setting while ensuring that employment opportunities continue in Lynchburg. 

Existing Buildings and Grounds

What will happen to the historic buildings along Rivermont? 

The buildings facing Rivermont are included in the Rivermont Historic District and are expected to remain. The Adaptive Reuse Feasibility Study will help determine the future use of the Main, Mundy, Ford, and Barker buildings/additions. The size and condition of these buildings provide some potentially feasible and compatible reuse options, which we will explore during the planning process.

What is going to happen to the buildings on the rest of the VBH campus? 

As part of the study process, a building assessment has been prepared to evaluate each of the 12 buildings and additions on the VBH campus. The total square footage of these buildings (at more than 537,000 square feet) creates a substantial redevelopment challenge. It is very likely that some demolition will occur to create buildings of a usable size and provide opportunities for window and door openings.  Potential future uses of these buildings will be identified during the planning process, based on factors such as size, placement, cost, and other relevant criteria. It is important to understand what is feasible in the marketplace to ensure realistic expectations. 

Are all of the buildings considered historic? 

No, not all of the buildings are considered historic or are located in the Rivermont Historic District (see Q4). There are components, however, such as joined walkways that could allow buildings that are not located in the historic district to still be eligible for historic tax credits.

Is the parking deck in good condition? 

Yes, the parking deck is in good condition. It was constructed to support an additional 2 floors of parking.

Does the site grade (slope) on the land affect the ability to redevelop the site?

As the hospital expanded, building floors were adjusted to work with the 50' of grade change from Rivermont Avenue to Vassar Street. This is one of the challenges with Virigina Baptist Hospital that make it difficult to navigate. The Vassar public entrance (Level 1) is 20' lower than the original Main entrance. How buildings connect poses some challenges for future users. This is one of the reasons why it is essential to understand which parts of buildings must be retained and which should be removed.

Is there any environmental contamination on the property? 

There is no known environmental contamination on the property. It has always been a hospital. There are two underground fuel tanks that support the hospital’s generators during power outages.

What will happen to the hospital museum? 

The hospital museum is a vital component of what makes VBH unique. The former entrance mural by William de Leftwich Dodge is inspiring. As with other uses, the Adaptive Reuse Feasibility Study will examine whether it is sensible to retain the museum at VBH or make alternative arrangements.

Is VBH haunted? 

Are there any areas in Lynchburg that aren’t? While there is no formal documentation of hauntings at VBH, there are stories. A favorite is tied to Mrs. Annie C. Mundy, who donated $75,000 to construct the hospital’s second addition. Ms. Mundy is rumored to haunt the elevator and corridor where a painting of her is hung. It is said that if you say hello to her, the elevator door will open without pressing a button!

Are there grave sites on VBH grounds? 

No, there are no known grave sites located on VBH grounds.

Will the trees, shrubs, and gardens be protected from clearing when the property is redeveloped? 

Several gardens are situated between the historic façade of Virginia Baptist Hospital and Rivermont Avenue. It is unlikely that these gardens will be affected by any changes in land use on the property. Other modifications to greenery on the campus will depend upon the needs of future users and potential owners. Buffer areas for neighboring properties will be identified during the planning process to ensure that future development is done with sensitivity.

Future Potential Uses

What could replace the hospital use? 

In-depth case studies have been conducted as part of the planning process to understand adaptive reuse options on similarly situated properties. The case studies identify other places that have repurposed large institutional properties for senior housing, boutique hotels, restaurants, outdoor programming, condominiums, live-work units, offices, and conference facilities. Ideas will also be sought from the community. The ability of the buildings to accommodate the uses will then be evaluated as part of the study process. 

What are some of the redevelopment challenges that should be expected?

Substantial challenges that will need to be overcome for Virginia Baptist Hospital to have a successful second chapter include:

• The number and size of the buildings, particularly in a community the size of Lynchburg, which has other large buildings that have been sitting dormant.
• Floor plate sizes (the amount of square footage on each level) will either allow or prohibit certain uses from being functional and therefore feasible.
• There is one main plant that provides heating and air conditioning to the entire campus. If the campus and/or buildings are separated, the utilities will need to be separated.  
• The entire campus is presently zoned for residential use, and the list of potential uses allowed under this current zoning is very limited.
• Finding the right partners and future users that respect the history of VBH and Centra’s intent to ensure that new uses are complimentary to and compatible with the community.

Is Centra hoping to sell the buildings and property? If so, what is the asking price?

The Adaptive Reuse Feasibility Study will make recommendations for different models of ownership and financing. A partnership with a private entity that could leverage tax credits to redevelop the campus would necessitate an ownership change. In the case studies, this was the most often used method to ensure the successful reuse of a campus similar to Virginia Baptist. Another option could include Centra maintaining a presence on the property and others owning parts. Centra is focused on making the best decisions possible for the property, neighborhood, city, and greater region and is not focused on a specific “asking price” as a goal. 

Will parts of VBH be divided up for sale, or will it be kept as one whole piece? 

This is unknown at this time. Recommendations from the study will be made on the most likely scenario(s) that would ensure that the VBH campus remains in productive use.

What happens if new users or owners cannot be found?

The campus has beautiful buildings and grounds. It is in an amazing neighborhood with good site access. Centra is undertaking this planning process to engage the community and potential future users/owners to discuss the future of VBH before major functions are relocated, and keep VBH in continuous, active use. It is recognized that an innovative public/private partnership (P3) approach will increase the likelihood of success.

Does Centra pay property taxes on the VBH campus? 

No, Centra does not pay property taxes for the VBH campus.  Generally, Centra properties that are used for hospital, medical and other healthcare purposes are exempt from local real estate tax, although Centra has voluntarily agreed to pay some property taxes for certain designated parcels and other properties occupied by Centra may be subject to property tax due to the leasing structure. Reuse of Virginia Baptist provides the opportunity for the campus to be placed on the tax rolls, depending on who may be the future entity or entities that own it. The new tax base can be used to provide reimbursement to assist in defraying redevelopment costs.

Will any healthcare uses continue at the VBH campus? 

This is unknown. The Adaptive Reuse Feasibility Study will assist in identifying what, if any, healthcare operations will remain on, or be relocated to, the VBH campus.

Has a developer been selected? 

No, there is not a preferred developer. Centra expects to develop a process for potential developers to express their interest in the project.

What types of local approvals will be needed?

Local approvals from the Historic Preservation Commission will be needed for any changes to structures located within the Rivermont Historic District. The Planning Commission and City Council are responsible for reviewing and approving changes in land use and zoning. City Council would need to approve any economic incentives or development agreements that would use taxes for reimbursement. Various city departments and building officials would review proposals for redevelopment. Continuous dialogue with City of Lynchburg staff will occur throughout the planning process to ensure that proposed plans comply with local standards and requirements.