Ferrell-Duncan plans $8.9 million physician facility

by Eric Olson

SBJ Reporter

eolson@sbj.net

A south Springfield medical clinic is increasing its presence in the local health care industry.

Ferrell-Duncan Clinic Inc., a CoxHealth affiliate, plans to construct an $8.9 million, three-story building to house its rheumatology and orthopedic surgery groups.

Ferrell-Duncan has reached an agreement to lease CoxHealth-owned land immediately south of the recently opened Meyer Center for Wellness and Rehabilitation for construction of the clinic building, according to Charles McCracken, Ferrell-Duncan executive director. The new clinic as yet unnamed will adjoin the Meyer Center via a walkway.

CoxHealth held grand opening festivities for the $11.7-million, 102,000-square-foot Meyer Center Sept. 5-10. The Meyer Center is a multipurpose fitness and rehabilitation facility.

McCracken said the connection will provide convenience for patients in physical rehab.

"That's why we felt it very important to get this location," he said.

Nine Ferrell-Duncan physicians will relocate: five rheumatology doctors Howard Schwartz, Steve Armstrong, Joe Mayus, Mark Jarek and Tony Tay; and four orthopedic surgeons Peirre Clothiaux, Douglas Duncan, John Tanksley and Roy Holand.

McCracken expects the orthopedic group to grow by as many as eight physicians when the 66,000-square-foot office opens in July 2005.

The new clinic also will have walking access to Cox Walnut Lawn through the Meyer Center.

"Our orthopedic surgeons do a lot of their surgery in (Cox Walnut Lawn), so it will be extremely convenient for them and the patients to have surgical capabilities near them," McCracken said.

Sam A. Winn & Associates is project architect; a general contractor has not yet been selected. Signature Bank is providing the financing. A groundbreaking date is not set.

McCracken said an MRI machine will be an addition to the new building. Other services available there will include full X-ray capabilities, an IV infusion center and a lab drawing station.

The vacated space at Ferrell-Duncan allows for expansion of other departments, McCracken said. Ferrell-Duncan comprises 130,000 square feet among five stories at 1001 E. Primrose St.

"We are nearing capacity in this location," he said. "This works well to open up additional space for our other departments. The clinic's intent is to continue to grow to take care of the specialty needs of the Cox system."

There are 98 physicians under contract at Ferrell-Duncan practicing cardiology, dermatology, internal medicine, nephrology, plastic surgery, pulmonology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, gynecologic oncology, neurology, obstetrics, orthopedic surgery, urology and family care.