ROGERS PARK — Crews are expected to start construction soon on a new clinic on Devon Avenue managed by Heartland Health Centers, which is set to open next summer.
Ald. Joe Moore (49th) and Heartland Health officials gathered at the site to officially break ground Friday afternoon.
Moore said the need for affordable health care in the area continues to grow.
The need is so great that Heartland's location at 2200 W. Touhy Ave. is "packed to the gills," said Gwenn Rausch, Heartland Health Centers' executive director.
Crews are finishing up demolition of a funeral home so crews can begin construction of the one-story facility at 1300 W. Devon Ave.
Rumors of the new health center, which will offer adult primary care, pediatrics, women’s health and behavioral health services, surfaced late last year.
Geothermal wells drilled under the parking lot would help heat the building. In geothermal systems, pipes are installed below ground to capture the natural warmth of the earth. A temperature-absorbing liquid flows through the pipes, transferring the energy into the building.
A roof-top solar panel would provide 13 percent of the building's power.
Rausch had said the facility would be the most energy-efficient health center in Illinois.
In 2011, the organization was awarded a $3 million grant from the state to help build the $4.8 million facility.
Heartland expects to serve more than 400 patients a week when the facility opens.
The 9,200-square-foot center when completed will have 12 exam rooms and a community room with a capacity of 100 people.
The center will employ about 20 staff members.
