By Joe Morey News Editor
The new Lac Courte Oreilles Community Health Center is proceeding along on schedule and under budget, according to a recent report by new director, Scott Johnson.
The architectural company, Brunton & Associates, also reported the facility is moving along stating, “Interior framing, drywall and exterior finishes are proceeding with site grading and paving starting soon. Our construction partner, Woodstone Inc. expects the project will be completed early 2025.”
Johnson said the new facility will be ready for a move-in by the beginning of February 2025, so that means we have a whole lot of planning in front of us to get ready for that event. On the outside, it is easy to see this is going to be a beautiful facility. The inside is quickly turning into an impressive building that will house many departments. The concrete floors are all poured, the dry wall work and painting is already underway as each department is starting to take its own shape,” he explained.
Woodstone Inc, stated, “It’s going to be a beautiful building. We are proud of this project and grateful to Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians for their confidence in Albertson Engineering, Brunton Architects & Engineers and Woodstone Inc to help realize another vision for the Community.”
Brunton went on, “This new 64,421-square-foot healthcare clinic is the first of a multi-phased wellness campus and was recently awarded the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) Government Impact Deal of the Year during the 42nd Annual Conference at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL.
“We are excited to see the progress of this much-needed healthcare center. Brunton took cues from the earth lodge and medicine wheel with individual department suites radiating out from the central lobby. These include medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral health, community health, lab, imaging, chiropractic, urgent care, and administration.”
Johnson said clinic staff are now beginning the process of selecting furniture for the facility, and determining which medical equipment will be relocated and which will be purchased new.
Johnson added a maintenance garage has been approved for construction.
“Best of all, the new facility is on schedule to be completed under budget.”