Avita Health Systems purchased the 185,000 square foot Lazarus building at the Richland Mall in Ontario on Oct. 28, 2013, and progress toward moving in continues with construction.
Once the purchase was completed, construction began in the building. Vice President of Business Development at Avita Health Systems-Bucyrus and Galion Community Hospitals Mari Swearingen stated that the removal of the ceiling on the ground floor is almost finished.
“The escalators are being dropped down now, with about 75 percent completion. Dave Morehead, our facilities director, and his crew have been working nearly non-stop,” said Swearingen.
Avita will offer primary care providers and specialists to the public. Swearingen revealed other departments that will be offered through Avita and the possibility of additions in the future.
“Avita will offer radiology (x-ray) and laboratory services. An MRI will be available, as well as hearing aids. Our plan of specialists includes orthopedics, ENT, pediatrics, family medicine, plastic and reconstructive surgery, endovascular, internal medicine, cardiology, pain management, and sports medicine. We may be adding a few more before the doors open, or shortly after we move in,” said Swearingen.
At this current time, Swearingen estimates a minimum of 70 job positions to be implemented at Avita in Ontario. “We are currently employing and contracting with the providers who will be in the new facility,” said Swearingen.
Swearingen said that the final drawings for Phase I are still in progress, but the completion of the drawings is anticipated by the end of February. “Construction will go to bid at that time with the first consideration to local vendors. We expect that bidding process will be finished quickly, perhaps as soon as the first week in March,” said Swearingen.
Plans for completion of the project are split up into three phases. Swearingen shared that the cost for Phase I will be about $15 million. “If the warm welcome that we have received from the Ontario community is any indication, this initial investment will be just the start of growth with Avita’s in health care services for the community,” said Swearingen.
She also noted the scheduled plan for completion with Avita.
“In reality, we plan on the Phase I completion that allows us to open our doors as being in November of 2014. We are very excited and will be anxious to release a confirmed date in the near future,” said Swearingen.
“If the warm welcome that we have received from the Ontario community is any indication, this initial investment will be just the start of growth with Avita’s in health care services for the community,” said Mari Swearingen.
