Wielding “golden” shovels, Msgr. Francis I. Malone (far end of row), U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin and others break ground in west Little Rock Jan. 21 on 37 acres that will become St. Vincent West.
St. Vincent Health System is building the health and wellness facility at the intersection of Chenal Parkway and La Grande Drive. The property is next to the Promenade at Chenal, a retail center. At the groundbreaking, it was revealed that St. Vincent will petition the city to rename La Grande Drive as St. Vincent Way.
The first phase of the facility, to include family physician services, urgent care center and an expansion of the Longevity Center, is set to open in September.
Msgr. Malone, pastor of Christ the King Church and School in Little Rock, blessed the groundbreaking with prayer and a sprinkling of holy water.
“This is about the importance of the Catholic presence and the visible presence of the Catholic Church seen in the commitment to continuing, consistent, compassionate care for those sick and ill, fulfilling the Gospel message,” he said after the groundbreaking. “This place will continue the work of the original Sisters (of Charity of Nazareth) by bringing care and compassion, which is the message of Jesus Christ, and extend that presence through visible sign of St. Vincent’s commitment to all people in this community.”
The second phase will begin in the summer and plans include outpatient surgery, diagnostic imaging and specialty physician offices.