Site work has begun on the new Reid Health campus in Connersville with the facility expected to be up and running by spring 2026.
Final approval of project plans came late last year from the city's Board of Zoning Appeals, clearing the way for work to start at 2500 Park Road once the weather and other logistics made it possible.
"We're thrilled to see construction begin at the new location," said Craig Kinyon, Reid Health President/CEO. "We're incredibly excited for what's to come and the benefits this new campus will bring to Connersville and Fayette County."
Since Reid announced it would build a new $100 million campus, the health system has worked with its construction partners -- Skanska USA Building Inc., Shook Construction, and architectural firm HKS -- as well as city and county officials to finalize the design of the building and help avoid any potential hurdles once construction began.
"This is a complex project with a large number of details that had to be considered before we could begin the actual work," said Jeff Cook, Director of Engineering at Reid Health. "It's been a pleasure working with city, county, and economic development leaders to get to this point."
"We're excited to see a former blighted area transformed into a beautiful facility that will serve the medical needs of our community and bring several new jobs," said Connersville Mayor Chad Frank. "Having access to medical care plays a major role in the retention and attraction of residents and businesses to our community."
The new facility at the former Kmart site on Connersville's northeast side eventually will replace the current campus at 1941 Virginia Ave. The $100 million investment is the latest demonstration of Reid's intention to honor a commitment to the community the health system made when it acquired a substantial portion of the assets of Fayette Regional Health System in July 2019 after Fayette Regional filed for bankruptcy.
The 106,715-square-foot facility is designed to meet the community's diverse healthcare needs. The project includes an Emergency Department with an adjacent helipad, radiology services, a pharmacy, laboratory services, and a mix of primary and several specialty care options. A few of the specialty services planned to be available at the new facility include cardiology, oncology, OB/GYN, orthopedic, cardiopulmonary rehab, podiatry, audiology, wound healing, and ear, nose, and throat.
"We're so excited for the opportunity to better serve our community," said Danika Allen, Reid's Manager of Emergency Services Connersville. "Although our current building holds many memories, an updated facility will provide the space and equipment to serve our families, neighbors, and friends for years to come. We cannot wait to be a part of this next chapter in providing healthcare in Connersville!"
