Historic Taylor House Updated for its 100th Birthday
Taylor House has a long and meaningful history rooted in care, service and community. Built by local contractor J.D. Harwood, the building first opened its doors as Yadkin Hospital on August 4, 1926. That very day, the hospital performed its first operation — an appendectomy — marking the beginning of nearly a century of compassionate service. Originally designed with 26 beds, the hospital quickly expanded to meet community needs and soon accommodated approximately 40 patients.
In 1929, with the support of the Duke Foundation, Yadkin Hospital became the first public hospital in Stanly County. During this important chapter, it served generations of local families — including some of today’s residents, who were born there while the hospital was caring for the people of the county. In 1950, Yadkin Hospital merged with Stanly General Hospital, becoming the Stanly County Hospital and continuing its role as a trusted community resource.
A new era began in 1953 when the building was converted into the Albemarle Baptist Home as part of the Baptist Homes for the Aging. The organization later became known as the Baptist Retirement Homes in 1983 and, in 2022, adopted the name ThriveMore, reflecting an ongoing commitment to helping older adults live with purpose and support. In 1992, the Albemarle Baptist Home underwent a major renovation to enhance resident living spaces and services. In recognition of Carrol Taylor, a devoted supporter, the home was renamed Taylor House.
Today, Taylor House is a welcoming assisted living campus with capacity for 28 residents. Need-based subsidies are available for some residents through the Baptist Retirement Homes Foundation, helping ensure access to quality care and a supportive community. As part of ThriveMore’s continued investment in every campus, renovations began in 2025 to upgrade many of the public areas and add a new elevator and stairwell — honoring the past while preparing Taylor House for the future.
One of the most significant upgrades involved adding a much-needed new elevator. The building’s original elevator, while a testament to Taylor House’s history, had become increasingly difficult to repair and maintain. Because the building spans three floors, having a reliable elevator is essential for daily life and ease of movement. To address this while keeping the original elevator operational during construction, SFCS Architects designed a new addition to the building. This expansion includes a modern elevator, an additional set of stairs and a welcoming elevator lobby, along with a new storage room added to each floor for added functionality.
Elsewhere in the building, shared spaces received a fresh transformation. The second- and third-floor common areas were updated with new flooring, paint, lighting and furniture, creating a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere. As part of this work, much of the electrical and low-tech wiring that had previously been visible along the walls was relocated inside the walls, giving hallways a much cleaner appearance. With design from CIC Interiors, these refreshed spaces now feature modern, elegant finishes and furnishings that enhance both the look and feel of daily life at Taylor House.
We are deeply grateful to the many partners, team members and residents whose patience, flexibility and hard work made these improvements possible, and we look ahead with excitement as Taylor House enters its next 100 years of care and community.