Pictured L-R: Towanda Harris, MD; Nick Valadez, president, CFHC Board of Directors; Tony Ziak, CFHC Board Member; Warren J. Brodine, CFHC CEO; Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th Ward; Elvia Perez, , CFHC Board Member; Lupe Valadez, CFHC Board Member; Dr. Bechara Choucair, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health; V. Kenneth Munson, Director, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Region V; Mimi Mesirow, Office of Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr.
Chicago Family Health Center officially broke ground today for the rebuilding of its Pullman Health Center, 556 E. 115th St. The replacement facility is slated to open in 2013 and was made possible thanks to a generous $6.2 million Federal Affordable Care Act grant from the Health Services and Resources Administration (HRSA).
“Community Health Centers are an integral part of our health care system and the funding made available for them through the Affordable Care Act will expand care to millions more people,” said HHS Regional Director Kenneth Munson. “As community-based and patient-directed organizations, health centers like Chicago Family Health Center have a direct and positive impact, not only on the health of Chicago’s residents, but on economic conditions in Chicago’s South and Southeast communities.”
The current Pullman health center first opened in 1987 and is CFHC’s second-busiest facility, handling more than 21,000 patient visits a year on only 3,500 square feet of patient care space. The replacement facility will feature more than 21,000 square feet of space, 23 exam rooms, 9 dental operatiores as well as group therapy and classroom space.
“Staff, patients and the community are very excited that this long overdue project is launching,” said Warren J. Brodine, CFHC CEO. “The project will revitalize an entire city block and not only strengthen the quality and delivery of care in the area, but more than double the number of healthcare visits. This project is sure to make lasting economic impact on the surrounding community.”
CFHC will continue to offer a full array of medical, dental, and behavioral health services throughout the construction phase of the project, which has LEED Silver certification. Additionally, the exterior design of the new facility was approved by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. It will maintain the rich architectural history prevalent throughout the Pullman National Historic District where the center is located.
Additional funding was secured through New Markets Tax Credit from the Chicago Development Fund with participation from JPMorgan Chase which purchased the tax credits. MB Financial also provided additional financing for the project.
“We are excited to support the expansion of CFHC to serve the residents of the greater Pullman neighborhood. The New Markets Tax Credit program was essential in financing this high community impact project,” said Kevin Goldsmith, VP of the Chase NMTC Group.
