It seems as though we are always struggling for balance in our lives. Work or play? Spend or save? Eat that doughnut or save those calories? The same is true for our fitness regimens.New construction plans keep cropping up for Parkview’s north campus.
The latest is outlined in a tax abatement application Parkview Health filed for a $3.75 million addition to the building being leased by Orthopaedics Northeast, also called ONE.
The local practice would add 18 jobs as part of the expansion.
A 10-year abatement would save ONE an estimated $432,000.
If Allen County officials approve the request, construction could begin in April. Completion on the 15,000-square-foot addition at 11136 Parkview Circle is projected for May 2013.
Ray Kusisto, CEO of Orthopaedics Northeast, said the practice would have to re-evaluate the project if the tax break isn’t approved. ONE could choose to expand a different location instead, he said.
“That’s the most expensive place for us to build of all of our 12 locations,” he said.
Parkview Health officials would pay for the construction, passing along building and tax costs to ONE in a long-term contract. Kusisto said Parkview is waiting for a signed lease from ONE before breaking ground. ONE is waiting for abatement approval before it signs the rental agreement.
ONE’s expansion plans call for three new physicians, three physician assistants, three nurses and nine medical secretaries. Physicians’ salaries are not disclosed. Annual pay averages $68,000 for physician assistants, $30,000 for nurses and $20,000 for medical secretaries.
The location now employs 86 of ONE’s total workforce of about 360.
ONE’s three largest offices are in Allen County, Kusisto said. He described them as similar in size. If the north office is expanded, it would become the practice’s largest.
An older and heavier population is creating a greater demand for orthopedic services, Kusisto said.
The practice’s north office handles about 14,000 annual patient appointments. About 60 percent of those patients are from Allen County, according to the tax abatement request. Common orthopedic procedures include hip and knee replacement surgeries.
“Orthopedic care is an important and needed service in our community and region,” Parkview spokesman John Perlich said in an email. “Parkview is pleased to see ONE continue to grow as we partner with them to provide excellent orthopedic care.”
The campus also includes Parkview Regional Medical Center, a 446-bed hospital scheduled to open to patients on March 17.
