New $4 million medical center approved for Livermore Falls

FARMINGTON – The Franklin Community Health Network board of directors has given the green light to build a new 13,500 square-foot medical arts center in Livermore Falls in vacant space on Main Street.

The new center will bring together personnel and services currently provided at Franklin Health Livermore Falls Family Practice on Union Street and at Franklin Memorial Hospital Outpatient Services on Main Street. Both facilities had too little space for their needs and were the driving force behind the decision to move forward.

Planning began more than two years ago and FMH officials have been pleased with the way the project has been received by town officials.

“The current arrangement hasn’t been ideal for our patients or our health care providers,” said Rebecca Ryder, FCHN president. “From the beginning, the idea was to bring all services under one roof.”

These services will include primary care by the medical staff of Livermore Falls Family Practice, as well as outpatient specialty care including orthopaedics, ob/gyn women’s care, physical therapy, and individual and family mental health counseling. Also offered will be laboratory services, x-ray, and digital mammography services.

“The need for a stable base of primary care is greater than ever. Demand for primary care services is growing and we expect to add another physician,” added Ryder. Currently Franklin Health Livermore Falls Family Practice has three providers: Dr. Michael Rowland, Dr. Janice Lee, and nurse practitioner Mary Dunlap.

Construction will begin in the spring as soon as weather permits with completion projected for late 2011. PDT Architects designed the building that when constructed will be overseen by Developers Collaborative, an association of real estate developers. The total cost of the project is $4 million.

“This was a unanimous decision on the part of the board,” said Darryl Brown, FCHN board member and resident of Livermore Falls. “As a community member I can say that residents are excited. This is clearly one of the most exciting developments that has happened in the downtown in decades.”

Developer Kevin Bunker has been working with a committee of Livermore Falls residents and town officials to develop a proposal for a Community Development Block Grant, which if awarded could offset building costs. Other funding sources are also being explored.

Aesthetic considerations have played a role in the center’s planning. Most of downtown Livermore Falls features buildings with distinctive brick façades and multiple stories. Although the center will be just one story, it will have a brick front that resembles a multi-story complex. Parking will accommodate 55 vehicles.

Franklin Community Health Network includes Franklin Memorial Hospital, Franklin Health, Evergreen Behavioral Services, NorthStar, and the Healthy Community Coalition.