The concept of building a medical center next to a mall may seem unorthodox, but that’s exactly the strategy Avita Health Systems took when purchasing the 185,000 square-foot Lazarus building at the Richland Mall in Ontario on Oct. 28, 2013. Now less than a year later, phase one of the new building is nearing completion.
“The architects, the construction crews, all of our contractors, everybody involved have done an extraordinary job,” said Kelby King, Community Relations and Marketing Manager for Avita Health Systems. “What’s most impressive is the construction timeline is so aggressive, but they’re nailing it and it’s beautiful.”
King stated Avita’s orthopedics and sports medicine service line has moved into the Ontario location, with more services to follow in October. By Dec. 1, the facility will house a group of multi-specialty medical providers as well as a full range of lab, imaging services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound), and other outpatient services. Cardiology, family practice, pediatrics, internal medicine, vascular medicine, pain management, plastic and reconstructive surgery, ENT, and audiology are among the additional medical specialties planned for the initial phase of development.
“Hopefully we can grow in that facility, but it all depends on community acceptance and demand,” said King. “There are a lot of factors going into whether we will grow in that facility. We’re just excited to open the first phase because that’s huge for the area, especially Ontario and the business district.”
Public perception of the move into Richland Mall has been Avita’s biggest challenge, as King said there is still a myth that Avita bought the mall. However, she noted curiosity and excitement are much more prevalent among the community.
“People have been wondering what it looks like in there,” she said. “They remember when the makeup counters and dressing rooms were there. I have before and after pictures, but you could never tell by walking into the building. They’ve done a great job aesthetically.”
In addition, the advantages of Avita’s Ontario location include easy access, plenty of parking, and attachment to the mall. King explained Avita will offer beepers to visitors at the health system who will then be able to walk around the mall while waiting for a prescription to be filled or for a family member during an appointment.
“You don’t have to sit there and wait, you can leave and go to the stores or just walk, and you’re right in the same building,” said King. “That’s very advantageous.”
King said Avita Ontario will hold a grand opening celebration on Dec. 5 and invite the public to explore the new location. For now, more and more physicians are moving in as more clinics are completed.
“We’re just thrilled to have been accepted in Ontario so far, the city has been fabulous to work with,” said King. “We hear the hype and that excites us, so we’re really excited to officially open the entire place.”
“What’s most impressive is the construction timeline is so aggressive, but they’re nailing it and it’s beautiful,” said King.
