Construction on the future home of the Jefferson County Health Department is still on track for completion in April. It also looks like the project will be completed on budget, Health Department officials said.
Work on the department’s new Hillsboro facility at 1515 Peach Tree Plaza Drive began in January 2024. The roof is on, windows are installed and drywall is up.
“The HVAC is running, so the tile and stone have been put up in most areas,” said JCHD’s spokeswoman Brianne Zwiener. “We don’t have flooring down yet. Bathroom sinks and toilets have also been installed. Most of the cabinetry and countertops have been installed on the clinical side, and some have been installed on the non-clinical side.”
Since the building is fully enclosed, Zwiener does not believe the recent inclement weather has affected recent progress.
“To my knowledge, the project isn’t behind because of the weather,” she said. “I believe they were able to keep moving forward with things inside the building.”
Last month, Executive Director Steve Sikes told Board of Trustees members that the HVAC was being turned on so the flooring could be installed and work could continue inside.
“Spire has installed the gas main, and the HVAC unit is running,” he said. “This is keeping the building at the proper temperature so the flooring can be installed. We will be purchasing a one-year extended warranty for this unit. The contractor will pay a prorated amount for the months they are using the HVAC unit, and we will cover the remaining amount, approximately $521.58 per month.”
Sikes said most walls have been painted.
“A final coat of paint will be applied later in the construction,” he said.
Sikes said the Health Department is in the process of getting quotes for furniture.
In November 2023, the department awarded a $7,942,300 contract to Brockmiller Construction of Farmington to build the new office. Kirkwood-based Archimages is overseeing the project, which will total approximately $9.7 million.
Zwiener said so far the project is on budget.
The 19,957-square-foot, one-story building is being constructed on the 7.75 acres of land the department purchased in February 2021 near highways 21 and B in the plaza bordering the Hillsboro City Park.
The building will replace the agency’s current 70-year-old, 9,810-square-foot office at 405 Main St. Once the new building is constructed, the agency plans to sell its Main Street location. The Health Department also has an office in Arnold.
According to Health Department officials, the building is designed to meet the agency’s evolving programs and community needs. The new facility will have a clinical area with several exam rooms; a drive-up testing laboratory; blood draw stations; a large conference room for board meetings, training and events; and designated parking for the agency’s mobile health care units.
“Watching our new facility project advance fills me with pride,” Sikes said. “It’s not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about building a future, protecting and promoting public health in Jefferson County.”
To see more photos and walkthrough video of the building, visit www.jeffcohealth.org/new-facility-updates.