University of Illinois breaks ground for new facility

  • 2015-10-08
The University of Illinois in Champaign held a groundbreaking ceremony at the end of last month.

On the morning of September 26, ground was broken for a new sports medicine and orthopedic facility to be constructed by Carle health system at the university's Research Park. The complex carries a price tag of about $23m, and will be located at the corner of Fourth Street and Getty Drive.

Vice president of surgical services for Carle, Caleb Miller, said the new facility is necessary in order to stay abreast of growth, and the increased need for services and providers growth brings. The facility is scheduled to open early in 2017.

The new facility comprises 52,000 square feet, which makes it larger than the two current spaces it is replacing combined. Orthopedics is currently at 1802 South Mattis Avenue C, and sports medicine is housed at 810 West Anthony Drive. Both buildings will be retained and repurposed.

The Research Park location will have more than 50 people on staff, including physicians, physical therapists, physician assistants, and trainers, and Carle will be recruiting more providers in future.

The new location has bigger exam rooms, has charged its layout, and includes spaces that will be easier for people to navigate in wheelchairs or on crutches. The new center will also include athletic, rehabilitation, and performance spaces.

Officials of the new facility might work with brochure printers on a booklet about the new facility, to mail to area residents.