In the block just west of the current Coleman County Medical Center, dirt work got underway on Monday, January 18, for a major addition to the local hospital. A new patient wing and new emergency room are part of the new construction.
The possibility of a loan to expand the local hospital has been in the works for a few years. On September 29, 2016 the hospital board voted unanimously to approve a Community Facilities Loan application through the USDA. In a hospital board meeting on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 the hospital board voted 6-0 to approve a Memorandum of Agreement between the USDA Rural Housing Service and the Texas Historical Commission to address matters related to construction of a hospital addition. The USDA loan was recently approved.
Fast forward to last week, following a pre-construction meeting with the USDA on Thursday, January 14, Lott Brothers Construction Company, Austin, Texas, was given official notice to proceed with the construction of the new addition to Coleman County Medical Center (CCMC).
Others in attendance at the pre-construction meeting included representatives of the CCMC District, Rees Associates, Jacob & Martin Engineering and CCMC administration. Together the project team members discussed the coordination and communication necessary to move the project forward on a timely basis.
This will necessitate the permanent closure of Frio Street between West College and West Elm streets.
The entrance to the Emergency Department will remain in its current location at the back of the hospital. Parking in the front of the hospital on Pecos Street will be reserved for patients.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience over the next 18 months while we all work to enhance the hospital facilities to better meet the needs of our patients and families,” said Clay Vogel, hospital administrator.
The project is expected to take about 18 months with all components completed as early as July 2022.
The above photo was taken January 18, 2021 on the first day of construction. Note the large pile of concrete blocks unearthed.