CHASS breaks ground on new $17M health care facility in SW Detroit

Last week, the Community Health and Social Services (CHASS) Center, a nonprofit organization that has provided health and wellness services to uninsured and under-insured people since 1970, broke ground on a $17 million health center and administrative facility at 5635 West Fort Street, just west of Junction. The 48,000 square foot facility will be LEED-certified and will include 24 exam rooms, four procedure rooms, pharmacy, conference area, demonstration kitchen and a wellness center with an indoor track.

Currently, CHASS provides services at a former auto dealership located adjacent to the new facility. Building a larger center will enable the organization to hire more healthcare providers and assist more patients in an environment specifically designed for health care operations. "We've had to design our programs to meet the building, while this building is designed to meet the programs," says Denise Pike, development director. "It will be aesthetically pleasing on the exterior and, on the interior, very efficient for care."

Henry Ford Health System, the McGregor Fund, Turner Construction Company, the Carls Foundation and the Ambassador Bridge contributed to the capital campaign for the new facility, and financing was provided by JPMorgan Chase, Nonprofit Finance Fund, Invest Detroit, Local Initiatives Support Corporation and Capital Link. Brownfield tax credits were utilized. Harley Ellis Devereaux is the architect and Turner will act as general contractor and construction manager.

Construction is slated for completion in 2012.

Sources: Ricardo Guzman and Denise Pike, CHASS
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh