MADISON – The former Big Lots building on Ashland Road will be demolished in mid-October to make room for a new medical facility, according to a press release Wednesday from University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center.
University Hospitals also announced a name for the new site: UH Samaritan Richland Health Center. While a groundbreaking date has not been set, the demolition of the building at 1033 Ashland Road is set for mid-October.
Previously, the Madison Township Fire Department was using the building for training exercises.
Once open, the $17-million medical site will generate additional jobs, including medical office staff, housekeeping and maintenance, according to a July press release.
“We’re excited about expanding our footprint in the community,” Karen McNeil, president of UH Samaritan Medical Center said in July. “We welcome any opportunity to improve our patients’ access to healthcare, and when you can capitalize on that while also creating local jobs, it’s a win-win situation for all.”
CBLH Design, Inc from Cleveland has designed the new 33,000 square foot two-story medical building to house urgent care, laboratory, radiology, physical therapy and community areas on the first floor. The second floor will feature office suites for specialists and physicians.
This is the first Richland County location for University Hospitals, but not its first location locally. There is also a UH Samaritan Medical Center, a 55-staffed bed acute care facility, located at 1025 Center St. in Ashland.
Richland County, and Mansfield in particular, has quickly become an intersection for medical care facilities in Ohio. Just 3.6 miles down the road from the upcoming University Hospitals facility is OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, 6.6 miles away is OhioHealth Urgent Care Mansfield, and 6.8 miles away is Avita Health System Ontario.
“This is exciting news for Richland County to have another medical provider making a major investment in our community,” Jodie Perry, president of the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce said in July.
“The jobs that will be created will be good-paying jobs, and it will increase access to care in that part of the community, as well, so we think it’s definitely a win-win for the community.”
