Equipment mobilization for major project between Wynken Drive and Highway 81 set for this week
Years of planning, preparation and partnership will become visible progress as Freeman Regional Health Services (FRHS) begins construction on its new hospital and clinic campus along Highway 81 next week.
Equipment mobilization is anticipated to begin Thursday, Oct. 15, with earthwork scheduled to start Monday, Oct. 19. The hospital and clinic will be developed on 26 acres of FRHS’s 40-acre property along Highway 81 between Sixth Street and 279th Street; that’s the area located between Wynken Drive and Highway 81.
“We are grateful for the people and partners who are helping make this project possible as we strengthen healthcare for our communities,” said Courtney Unruh, CEO of FRHS. “This journey has been guided by prayer, perseverance and a shared commitment to keeping quality care close to home. God’s timing is perfect, and we give God the glory.”
Planning for a replacement facility began in 2018, when the FRHS Board evaluated renovating the existing campus versus building a new facility. Aging infrastructure, limited space and the constraints of the current site led industry experts to recommend that the Board develop a new healthcare campus.
The hospital and clinic are essential to the first phase of the new healthcare campus. Financial analysis helped the Board determine that beginning with the hospital and clinic is necessary to provide adequate funding and cash flow for future campus development.
“Our board has spent years carefully evaluating how to meet our community’s healthcare needs while keeping Freeman Regional strong for the future,” said Lori Uecker, FRHS Board President. “Beginning construction is an exciting step forward in providing a modern facility that supports our patients, care team, and the long-term sustainability of local healthcare.
The new, single-level hospital and clinic will encompass more than 48,000 square feet and include a six-bed hospital, a 24-hour emergency department with an on-site helipad, and a clinic for local providers and visiting outreach specialists. Diagnostic imaging, laboratory, procedural and therapy services will support inpatient and outpatient care, with spaces designed for efficient care team workflows.
The first phase also included upgrades at Dewald Street and Walnut Street village (The Villages) that allow residents to age in place by bringing assisted living services into the existing independent living community. A ribbon-cutting and open house celebrating these senior living improvements will be held Oct. 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. at The Villages.
Future phases at the 40-acre site of the new health care campus include plans for a nursing home and additional senior living options. The timing and sequence of these phases will be guided by financial feasibility, community needs and FRHS’s long-term strategic priorities.
FRHS remains locally governed and is financing the hospital and clinic project independently. As an Avera Partner in Health, FRHS has benefited from expertise from Avera’s lead architect, legal team, and finance departments. Avera leadership has endorsed the hospital and clinic as the first phase of the new campus and will continue to provide support to FRHS throughout the building process.
The project team includes Avera, BWBR Architects, Journey Construction, Tegra Group as owner’s representative, and Colliers for financing guidance.
“This milestone reflects the thoughtful work of our board, providers, leaders, care teams and project partners,” Unruh said. “Freeman Regional is 75 years strong. Our theme for this project, ‘Building Tomorrow Together,’ reflects our commitment to caring for our neighbors and sustaining rural healthcare for people of all ages as we build the next 75 years of care.”
Construction is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2028, with an opening date to be announced as the project progresses. Information on the groundbreaking celebration will be shared as details are finalized.