Two major projects break ground in Bolivar, Joplin

Groundbreaking ceremonies for a new physical plant for Southwest Baptist University were held Oct. 5 in Bolivar, and Freeman Health System conducted a groundbreaking for its new cancer-treatment facility in Joplin Oct. 28.

The new SBU facility, the Dwain and Donna Hammons Center for Facilities Excellence, will be located approximately half a mile from the existing campus on Aldrich Road in Bolivar.

The property was donated by Hammons Products Company of Stockton in October 1998 as part of SBU's Partners In Excellence campaign, according to an SBU press release.

The new facility will allow for development of a centralized physical plant. The physical plant now operates from four locations on the SBU campus. The plans for the facility were recommended by engineers with Gaskin Hill Norcross.

"In the next three years, we anticipate more than $10 million in new construction on the SBU campus. It is imperative that the physical plant staff have a facility from which they can effectively coordinate these various projects," said SBU President C. Pat Taylor in the release.

Meanwhile, Freeman Health System is building the new Freeman Cancer Institute at 3411 S. McIntosh Circle Dr. in Joplin, according to a press release from Freeman.

The two-story structure, comprising 20,380 square feet, will offer exam spaces, chemotherapy treatment areas, two labs, procedure and consultation rooms, physician offices, a 16,000-square-foot conference center, media center, treatment areas with nurse station, kitchen and additional square footage for future growth.[[In-content Ad]]