On Monday, the Montgomery County Hospital building in Conroe marked its 85th anniversary with a historical dedication. Initially opened in 1938, the hospital served as a vital healthcare center during the oil boom era. Now restored as Landmark 301, it provides senior living apartments, preserving the building’s legacy in the community.
.jpg)
On Monday, the Montgomery County Hospital building in Conroe was commemorated with a historical marker, celebrating its 85th anniversary since opening in 1938 and recognizing its significant contribution to the region’s healthcare legacy. The structure, once a cornerstone for the burgeoning oil community of Conroe, provided essential medical services for over forty years.
The hospital, situated on First Street, commenced operations on September 15, 1938, with financing secured through public-supported bonds amid the challenging times of the Great Depression. The area's inaugural public hospital functioned as a medical center until 1982, providing care to thousands of patients within its 35-bed facility.
During the dedication, historian Andy Rapoza highlighted the building's historical importance, pointing out its early medical departments with distinctive names such as the “Findout” department and the “Accident Room,” which provided care for workers injured in oil fields and sawmills. In its inaugural year, the hospital provided care to 632 patients, and by 1967, it had grown to accommodate more than 100 rooms.
“As a medical center, it played a crucial role in the development of Montgomery County,” Rapoza stated. “It delivered crucial healthcare services to a community experiencing swift growth fueled by the oil boom.”
After ceasing operations as a hospital in 1982, the building deteriorated significantly. Initially, it provided affordable housing options, subsequently serving as the home for the East Texas Dream Center nonprofit. However, it ultimately ceased operations in 2018 due to structural concerns.
In August 2024, Overland Property Group, a Kansas-based company specializing in the restoration of historic properties, converted the building into 47 senior living apartments. The newly updated facility, now known as Landmark 301, provides efficiency and one- to two-bedroom apartments specifically designed for residents aged 55 and above.
April Engstrom, the director of development for Overland Property Group, expressed her satisfaction with the restoration of the historic building. “There were doubts about its potential for recovery, but I’m truly grateful that we made the effort,” she expressed. “The preservation of historic architecture is crucial, as these finite treasures hold immense value.”
The reopening of the building marks an important turning point in Overland Property Group's commitment to revitalizing historic properties. The company is currently undertaking the transformation of historic Sam Houston Elementary School in Conroe into multi-family housing, while also engaging in similar initiatives in Texarkana, Cleburne, and Abilene.
Members of the Montgomery County Historical Commission, including those with deep personal ties to the area, gathered to honor the lasting significance of the building.
Rapoza emphasized that the building has consistently served as more than just a hospital; it has stood as a vital pillar within the community and today serves as a testament to the hospital’s recognition.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)