New Hybrid Medical Center Proposed for Phoenix

By Tasha Anderson for AZBEX 
Conceptual plans for a new 24-hour outpatient medical center to be located just west of the NWC of 54th Street and Shea Boulevard have recently been submitted to the City of Phoenix Planned Unit Development & Planned Community District site. 
Developer, Anchor Health Properties is requesting to rezone the approximately 3.17-acre site from Planned Area Development-Two, Special Permit to Planned Unit Development to allow for the HonorHealth branded medical center. 
Known as HonorHealth Outpatient Medical Center – Shea, the project is proposed to be a single-story, 25KSF hybrid free-standing emergency center with medical office. Approximately 11.5KSF of space will be used for physical therapy and primary care services while the other 13.5KSF of space will be used for urgent care/emergency services, imaging and labs. 
“This 24-hour model will orient emergency services and urgent care in the same building so that patients, while under stress caused by illness or injury, do not have to decide which is most appropriate for them,” the project document states. “We have found the majority of the patients who go to the ER could have been served by an urgent care, yet they are charged ER prices. Here, patients will only receive a bill reflecting the level of care and resources they received.” 
The building will have generous setbacks and a maximum height of 28 feet out of respect for the surrounding buildings. The design has modern, sleek elements to enhance the appearance while being compatible with the adjacent commercial buildings. 
Access to the site will be from Shea Boulevard, with cross access between properties at 54th Street. Ambulance pick-up will be on the east side of the development to allow for transfer to the existing HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center at 90th Street and Shea Boulevard. Approximately 125 parking spaces and 10 bicycle spaces will be provided. 
According to the document, “The entry landscaping, which is visible from Shea Boulevard, will incorporate upgraded steel planters, cast in place seat wall, bollard lighting and concrete planters. To add to the inviting entry ambiance, a modern water feature will be placed among the landscaping.” 
The project still needs to go before the Phoenix Planning Commission and City Council for approval.