Add medical care facilities to Independence Township’s development debate.
Representatives for the McLaren Heath Care Corporation presented a plan for a large medical complex, including a hospital, to the Building Department on Dec. 22.
The multi-phase plan would create virtually a one-stop medical facility on a nearly 100-acre tract of land located at I-75 and Sashabaw Road.
‘It’s an interesting proposal. We’ll have to spend some time taking a look at it and see if it fits with the community,? said IndependenceTownship Supervisor Dave Wagner.
‘It took me by surprise, I didn’t think McLaren would head this way.?
Kevin Tompkins, Vice President of Marketing for McLaren Health Care Corporation estimated the cost of the project to be between $500-$600 million with $500 million being conservative. He also emphasized the tentative nature of the discussions at this point.
‘We’re working closely with the township because we’re talking about what could be a large project and want to make sure we’re in line with the township’s goals,? said Tompkins.
According to Tompkins a 100,000 to 125,000 square foot medical office building would serve as the cornerstone of the project.
‘We’re talking about a medical office building for primary and specialty care physicians. Obviously the Clarkston Medical Group would be a major part of that,? said Tompkins.
He went on to say the initial building would also include a 15,000 square foot ambulatory surgical facility. Tompkins explained the complete proposed project would add several other medical buildings like a heart center and cancer treatment/research center to the complex. A separate standing 300 bed, 4?5 story acute care hospital would be constructed near the end of the project.
‘We’re looking to create a health care village. We want not only traditional services, but everything from pharmacy to medical supply and other yet to be determined health related services,? said Tompkins who also indicated the complex could include a bank and other types of retail stores.
Dr. Tim O’Neill, president of the Clarkston Medical Group, said moving the CMG to the proposed center, if approved, would benefit the community.
‘As a lifelong resident of Clarkston we’re excited for this type of medical project. There’s enough people here to support this,? said O’Neill.
‘I think it brings (health care) local. Right now Clarkston overlaps with other areas and we have nothing to call our own? The first phase of this project brings in a lot of patient testing and treatment right here in Clarkston without having to drive.?
O’Neill estimated the move over to McLaren could take 24-28 months if the project went smoothly. He said CMG could take up 20,000 square feet of the initial building.
‘We’re in the early stages and I know there’s concerns in the area about growth, but something like this is not like bringing in a big box. It would bring jobs and provide a good service,? said O’Neill who explained the building is intended to be very inclusive to area physicians. ‘We’d be bringing in the best surgeons and specialists and putting them at one location under one roof.?
In addition to the McLaren proposal, Wagner said representatives from Beaumont hospital in Royal Oak also have a plan in the works for some type of medical facilities at the northwest corner of I-75 and M-15.
‘They say they will come forward shortly, with something,? said Wagner. ‘They’re not worried about McLaren’s (proposal), they say there is plenty of room for everyone. These are two different proposals,? said Wagner.
Beaumont Hospitals spokeswoman Ilene Wolff confirmed Beaumont has plans in the works, but could not talk to the specifics of the project.
‘McLaren’s plans are unlikely to affect our plans at all. We’re building because we already have patients coming to Royal Oak Beaumont from the area. We’re taking our services to them,? said Wolff.
‘We’re just exploring our options right now. It could be something from an ambulatory surgical center to nursing home to an assisted living center or some combination of some or all of those. We’re exploring options.?