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Last updated on Monday, June 11, 2018
(BLOOMINGTON) - Construction has started on Indiana University Health’s new $400 million Regional Academic Health Center, set to open in 2020.
The Herald Times reports that the footprint of the 700,000-square-foot facility has been mapped out and marked with wooden stakes, including the hilly, grass-covered area that is no longer a driving range.
Although dirt is currently being stockpiled west of the future build site, dirt should really start moving in the next couple of weeks. Wilhelm Construction site supervisor Doug May toured the busy area along the Ind. 45/46 Bypass.
To create a level surface in which to build the complex, crews will use the earth, roughly 50,000 yards of dirt, already on site.
At the height of construction, there will be around 400 crew members on site with 14 total trailers assembled in a "trailer city" in a lot just off the bypass on Bloomington's east side.
Andy Litke, operations manager for Wilhelm, said the design for the complex is in the process of being finalized and that bid packages for the enclosure of the building will likely go out by the end of the month.
The design is expected to complement the limestone architecture on IU's campus, potentially with limestone panels on portions of the building, including the academic wing.
Coinciding with the construction of Indiana University Health's new Regional Academic Health Center is the ongoing community debate about what to do with the current hospital on West Second Street when IU Health moves to its new complex in 2020.
The city of Bloomington wants to control the transformation of the 24-acre site near downtown once IU Health leaves the current location.
In January, city leaders announced plans to buy the land from IU Health at a cost of $6.5 million. IU Health committed $8 million to demolish several buildings on the site and to conduct an environmental impact study. The site, which IU Health has appraised at $16 million, should be available to the city sometime in 2021.
The purchase agreement between IU Health and the city was finalized on May 21.
A group of consultants is also helping city officials and community leaders with the future transformation.
Representatives with the Urban Land Institute presented an initial report based on their findings on Friday, April 13, that recommends the city turn over redevelopment of the land to a master developer. That master developer could then work to build a new neighborhood with mixed income housing, multiuse office space, art studios and green spaces.
ULI's full written report to the city is expected to be delivered in the next week or two.
Information from the Herald Times, https://www.heraldtimesonline.com
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