Something historic has arrived at the corner of Bombing Range and Keene Roads in West Richland.
While many cities across the Mid-Columbia might take this for granted, the city of nearly 12,000 finally has an elevator.
"First traffic light two years ago. First elevator," said Mayor Dale Jackson. "What's next?"
Health care, that's what.
The premiere elevator is in Kadlec Health System's nearly 20,000-square-foot Kadlec Clinic West Richland Primary Care, which officially opens Thursday with a public open house.
The clinic offers health care close to home for West Richland residents. Before the clinic's physicians began practicing at a temporary location nearly two years ago, residents had to travel to the Tri-Cities, city officials said.
"I think it's a great opportunity for people to have access to local health care," said Councilwoman Julie Jones, who recently toured the clinic with other council members. "I think everyone wants to try to save time as much as possible."
The clinic, which has been operating since early February, houses three primary care providers and a pediatrician. An internist is expected to join the staff in August.
"It's a very nice practice for our patients to come to and it's a very nice practice for our employees to practice their art," said Michael Huppe, executive director of Kadlec Clinic, a multispecialty physician practice with offices in Richland, south Richland, south Kennewick, Pasco and West Richland.
The facility eventually will hold a dozen providers, who could serve up to 36,000 patients.
"(The city) wanted us out there before we had property," said Rand Wortman, president and CEO of Kadlec Health System. "We're very pleased with the way the city has welcomed us."
The $7.2 million clinic has a laboratory and X-ray capabilities.
"This facility just represents a huge increase in a quality of life," Jackson said. "This is a big leap forward."
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