May 2, 2016 – A new medical complex has been in the works for Granite Falls across from Wal-Mart and the first phase will soon be underway. This will include a one story 25,000 SF medical office building. UNC Caldwell Health Care will be leasing 15,000 SF initially. Developer Brackett Flagship of Charlotte will also be targeting complimentary medical uses for the remaining 10,000 SF in the building.
VP of Real Estate Development for Brackett Flagship Thorn Baccich said, “We are hoping to have our contractor mobilized on site to begin work before May 1st.” Architect for this project is Tim Knapp of Clark Patterson Lee in Charlotte and the General Contractor is Hostetter and Keach also of Charlotte. Baccich also stated, “It has been a pleasure thus far working with Greg Wilson and his team in Granite Falls. We are really excited to be doing business with a great Hospital system and to be working in Caldwell County.”
The Rivercrest Medical Office Building is just the first phase of this project, the site has room to eventually include a second medical office building and an Ambulatory Surgery Center. UNC Caldwell Health Care is in the process of seeking approval from the State of NC to construct the Surgery Center. The proposed Ambulatory Surgery Center will be made up of three operating rooms and one procedure room at an approximate cost of $3,650,000. The three operating rooms will actually be relocated from the Hancock Surgery Center in Lenoir to the proposed Granite Falls center.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at the site with many in attendance. Caldwell UNC Health Care President and Chief Executive Officer Laura Easton stated that “we are really excited to be able to grow, expand and to continue to serve.” Easton also stated, “This is a new beginning and an opportunity for us to position ourselves for the future…healthcare is a cornerstone for any community.” Easton closed her remarks by stating, “It’s our promise to bring you expert care and to make you a priority when you come to this facility.”
Granite Falls Mayor Barry Hayes stated, “Thank you Caldwell UNC Health Care for choosing this new location, it’s the perfect spot. I can tell you there is no better place on earth to live, to work, to raise a family or to be healed in Granite Falls.”
Weather permitting the new Rivercrest Medical Office Building is expected to be completed by this winter. Work on this project is expected to start very soon.
View original article in the Caldwell Journal.