It’s beginning to look like a hospital. THE PLANNING of a medical office building is in its infancy, said Sean McReynolds, a hospital trustee. The building would be adjacent to the hospital and be where both permanent and visiting health professionals would practice. TOM MILLER contacted trustees Tuesday afternoon via email of his resignation from the board. TRUSTEES approved payment of $788,992 to Murray Construction, and $246,548 to Cerner as the second installment on its health medical records contract.
The massive shell somewhat resembles the architectural drawing, enough so that with each passing day specific areas and departments are becoming clearer to those in the know.
By Monday, the roof should begin to go up at lightning speed, Allen County Hospital trustees learned at their meeting Tuesday night. About 6,000 to 7,000 square feet can be laid in one day, putting the completion two weeks out from the starting day.
“They’re trying to enclose the building as soon as possible before winter hits,” said Larry Peterson, chief financial officer of the hospital. Sheet-rocking should begin by Oct. 29.
Other visible and less-visible signs of progress are the pouring of the foundation of the helipad, approval of an irrigation system, progress of the brick work on the west side of the building along patient rooms, and the grading of land where a reflection garden will be situated and will include the hospital’s current gazebo.
The size and scope of the building depends on “who our anchor tenants are,” he said.
McReynolds and local bank executives are part of a group that will solicit investors to put money up for the facility’s construction once tenants are determined.
“The good news is that it’s being handled by people who can get things done in a hurry, “ he said.
Whether a Veterans Affairs clinic will be part of the mix on the new site is still up in the air, trustees learned at their meeting on Sept. 25. Carolyn McLean, Iola, is still working behind the scenes to make that a go.
“My other commitments have become too great for me to be able to fulfill the requirements of my position on the board, and I feel it is best for me to make room for someone with the time and energy to devote to the position,” Miller wrote.
“I remain wholly committed to the replacement hospital project,” he said. “The citizens of Allen County can be assured that the current board members have, and will continue to do an exceptional job in this very important project.”
Hospital trustees are appointed by Allen County commissioners.
Hospital timeline on pace
