From concept to creation.
On May 4, 2016, six health centers in Vermont were awarded a combined $5,477,210 from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to renovate facilities, expand operations, and serve more patients. BVHC was named one of the $1,000,000 recipients.
The administrative staff of BVHC spent the majority of the summer of 2015 writing a grant proposal to help fund a building project for a different location. When funding was not awarded at that time, BVHC’s Chief Executive Officer, Grace Gilbert-Davis, and members of the management team went back to the drawing board, creating a plan which included the purchase of the building where BVHC currently operates and the building next door.
“All of the program elements that were designed in 2015 for the proposed new building will fit in the square footage of these two buildings collectively,” she said. “We are excited to be able to renovate two key buildings in the heart of Arlington to create the Church Street Clinical Campus.”
The campus will continue to provide medical and mental health services and a new dental care managed by Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Stephen Phillips. “Dr. Phillips is an amazing dentist who has been working with us voluntarily for the last year in anticipation of getting the dental clinic up and running in spring/summer 2017,” Gilbert-Davis shared.
The 9 Church Street building renovation including furnishings, fixtures, and equipment will cost roughly $2.1 million. The cost also includes expenses to ensure compliance with current building codes with additions like an elevator and an exterior stair for emergency egress. BVHC is covering the renovation cost using the $1 million HIIP grant and a construction loan; fundraising by our development team will bridge the gap. The project began in September 2016 and will be completed in 2017.
“We look forward to continuing to partner with local businesses and community members bringing this renovation to fruition,” stated Kate Bryan, Senior Director of Development. “There is a history of support and we are excited to foster those already strong relationships.”
