CoxHealth seeks rezoning approval for pediatric clinic near Cox South

CoxHealth is seeking approval from the city of Springfield for a rezoning request that would make way for a pediatric clinic near Cox South.

The Springfield Planning & Zoning Commission at its Dec. 19 meeting voted to recommend approval of the application that would rezone 29 acres of CoxHealth-owned land at 851 E. Primrose St. to a government and institutional use district with a conditional overlay district from planned development No. 21, seventh amendment. A portion of the acreage, at Primrose Street and Kings Avenue, currently includes the Amanda Belle’s Farm community garden and parking lots.

CoxHealth spokesperson Randy Berger this morning confirmed that the planned facility at the site would be a stand-alone pediatric outpatient center, which was envisioned as part of the health system's pediatric partnership with St. Louis Children’s Hospital announced in May. Berger said St. Louis Children’s Hospital would be involved with the new facility, though other details and the timeline are yet to be determined.

"The proposed rezoning will allow us to utilize the remaining undeveloped land on our flagship campus for future growth, especially related to pediatric care," CoxHealth officials said in a statement, which was provided by Berger. "As CoxHealth plans for growth, we worked closely with the community, holding listening sessions with parents, advocates, clinicians and community leaders. Those sessions made it clear: Our region needs comprehensive pediatric care. As a result ... CoxHealth announced its goal to elevate children’s care for the region.

"CoxHealth’s plan to meet that need includes creating a stand-alone pediatric outpatient center, which would allow families to stay close to home for care and reduce the need to travel long distances. This rezoning request will help CoxHealth to deliver on that vision in our continued commitment to being the best for our community."

At the P&Z meeting last month, members also discussed the potential in the rezoning plan to connect Kimbrough Avenue from Primrose Street to Walnut Lawn Street. Kimbrough currently ends just south of Powell Street, to the northwest of the CoxHealth acreage. Kickapoo High School is immediately west of the acreage.

Springfield City Council is scheduled to first consider the proposal on Jan. 27.

The Springfield Daily Citizen was first to report on CoxHealth's rezoning request for the pediatric clinic.