ORA Orthopedics will build a new $50 million, state-of-the-art clinic and outpatient surgery center in northern Bettendorf, according to information released by ORA on Thursday, March 21.
The new 113,000-square-foot medical facility and administrative headquarters will be located next to the TBK Bank Sports Complex on Competition Drive, Bettendorf. It will replace ORA’s Bettendorf current clinic and surgery center at 2300 53rd Ave., which will remain operational until the new orthopedic campus is constructed.
The new facility is expected to increase employment by an additional 150 employees. ORA currently employs 540 employees across its practice operations.
ORA said in a news release that planning for the new campus has begun and construction is expected to begin this summer. The new facility is estimated to be completed in early 2026.
The Bettendorf Planning and Zoning Commission has approved plans for the site.
ORA Chief Executive Officer Ken Brockman said the expansion reaffirms ORA’s promise and mission to provide superior orthopedic care and physical therapy to patients in the Quad Cities’ region.
“For more than 60 years, ORA has been on the forefront of orthopedics. This orthopedic campus demonstrates our commitment to support the Quad City region with a comprehensive approach to support active lifestyles,” he said in the release.
Mr. Brockman said the new facility will feature:
- A 51,000-square-foot orthopedic outpatient surgical center.
- 10 operating rooms and two procedure rooms.
- 14,000 square feet of physical and occupational therapy space with an aquatic therapy pool.
- An advanced imaging suite with MRI, CT and digital X-ray.
- Clinical offices for orthopedic surgeons with a specialized orthopedic focused walk-in Urgent OrthoCARE.
- ORA’s administrative offices to be headquartered at the new campus.
The new ORA project is just the latest business development to the area surrounding the TBK Bank Sports Complex – an area often called The Plex. That growth area, located south of Interstate 80 and around Forest Grove and Middle roads, has about 50 businesses with another dozen or so business projects in the works, according to City of Bettendorf officials.
In addition to the new ORA project, the Iron Tee Golf facility at 6909 Iron Tee Way is one of the biggest of those projects. That $35 million, 61,000-square-foot facility is expected to be open by late May.
Also, QCR Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Quad City Bank & Trust, is making plans for a new headquarters building and bank branch in The Plex area. The now Moline-based QCR announced on Feb. 28 that it is buying land at the southeast corner of Forest Grove Drive and Middle roads for its new headquarters. Construction is expected to begin later this year.
“People can’t believe the way the area has exploded.. … So many people are thankful for all the bars and restaurants and other businesses that are out there,” Bettendorf Mayor Bob Gallagher said in a recent interview with the OCBJ.
He added that businesses in The Plex region bring in an estimated $50 million a year in out-of-town money to Bettendorf.
“We are pleased that the business community sees the growth potential ignited by the TBK Bank Sports Complex. We are very excited to welcome ORA, and their employees, to The Plex area where they will find a multitude of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The synergy created by businesses, like ORA, moving to The Plex area will help ensure the vitality of the corridor,” Mr. Gallagher said in an emailed message to the QCBJ on Friday, March 21.
The mayor, in a previous interview, said he sees The Plex area continuing to grow in the coming years with more businesses and activities setting up shop in the region. “I think all four corners will be filled with family-type activities. … It will be entertainment and family activities,” he added.
“As leaders in sports medicine, our new location will also provide synergy with TBK’s expansion of its Bettendorf Complex in golf and other sports facilities,” Dr. Edward Connolly, ORA orthopedic surgeon and practice president, said in the news release announcing the project. “This next-level, best-in-class orthopedic campus will allow us to better serve our team, recreational, and professional athletes.”
He added: “This orthopedic center will eventually replace our Bettendorf facility, but all our other clinics in Silvis, northwest Davenport, Moline, Geneseo, Dewitt, Muscatine, and Clinton will remain. We have made significant investments in those facilities for the care, convenience, and access for our patients throughout the bi-state region.
“Orthopedic medicine continues to advance in technology and treatment, and we will ensure our community has access to the most advanced orthopedic care available. More than ever before, new treatments, outpatient surgery, minimally invasive surgical techniques, regenerative therapies, and comprehensive physical and occupational therapy, work together to help patients of all ages return to the activities they enjoy,” Dr. Connolly said.
