$9M south-side rehab center in the works

Renderings provided by Sunterra Springs

Idaho Falls-based Sunterra Springs is developing a multimillion-dollar rehabilitation center in south Springfield.

On vacant land northwest of National Avenue and Weaver Road, Sunterra Springs broke ground in early June on a 33,000-square-foot, 38-bed clinic. Vice President of Operations Rory Williams said Sunterra expects to open the clinic in June 2018.

The company performs short-term physical therapy and rehabilitation with private rooms and suites, as well as high-end dining, Williams said. Sunterra, which currently operates a center in Boise, Idaho, expects to open its second on Oct. 1 in Independence.

“Missouri is our company’s entire focus right now. We’ve been really impressed with the communities in Missouri, and Springfield particularly,” Williams said. “The model we’ve instituted is just a real comfortable, homelike environment that’s really conducive to recovery and getting back home.”

Williams declined to disclose the cost of the 4935 S. National Ave. project, but a certificate of need approved in November by the Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee identifies the cost at $8.8 million. Sunterra also plans to build rehab centers in Joplin and O’Fallon.

Sunterra, a subsidiary of Idaho Falls-based Ball Ventures, hired Victor, Idaho, general contractor Headwaters Construction Co. and Salt Lake City-based Method Studio Inc. for the Springfield project comprising two wings and a central hub for clinicians. At capacity, the center will employ 50, Williams said.

Martin Property Management LLC approached Springfield City Council last year for a zoning change to allow new construction at Weaver and National. Martin Property transferred the property deed to Sunterra in February, according to Greene County recorder records.