MUSCATINE, Iowa – The new Mulberry Health Clinic here hit a key milestone last week as supporters gathered for the official “topping out” ceremony.
The event, which celebrated the completion of the steel construction phase of the $20 million project, included representatives from The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine, Muscatine Health Support Fund, UnityPoint Health – Trinity and more.
As part of the celebration, the project’s donors were invited to sign a structural beam at the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine while Trinity team members and board members from Trinity Muscatine Foundation and Trinity Muscatine Friends were invited to sign an adjoining beam at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Muscatine. The two beams were placed and secured together at the construction site.
Organizers said the event marked the construction milestone as well as a strong future for healthcare in Muscatine. Davenport-based Russell is leading construction of the new clinic, which broke ground in June.
“These organizations have a deep-rooted history of meeting the community’s health needs and this important renovation will set the foundation for continued and future success,” Rachel Pohl, executive director of Trinity Muscatine.
“These beams will provide strength and support, and I can’t think of a better metaphor for how we are working together to build a stronger healthcare system for the people of Muscatine.”
Construction is expected to continue through the fall of 2024. The project will expand the clinic’s footprint from 30,000 to 42,000 square feet. The design will allow for future expansion which includes multi-use space for services such as telehealth, primary care, behavioral health and community health.
The updated building will be convenient, more efficient for patients, and will better accommodate a growing number of providers, the organizations said in a news release. With connection to the hospital, the clinic will provide easy access for patients, reduce transportation barriers, and allow for more collaborative care between the clinic and hospital. Its proximity to the hospital also allows for easy and seamless access to the hospital’s lab, radiology, and inpatient services.
“It is exciting to see the vision and dedication of our longstanding community and hospital partnership progressing through this construction milestone,” said Jamie Leza, vice president of operations at the foundation.
“Through the tireless efforts of these collaborative partners, as well as the generosity of our business and individual donors, we are ensuring continued local presence of quality health care in Muscatine.”
For more information on the Mulberry Health Clinic project, visit www.givinggreater.org/clinic.
