University Medicine Opens New East Providence Facility in June

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI—University Medicine's new 54,000-square-foot medical office patient center on Wampanoag Trail is almost complete.

University Medicine is a nonprofit primary care, specialty outpatient and sub-specialty medical group practice with over 200 physicians at multiple patient care locations throughout Rhode Island.

The organization will occupy three out of the four floors, or 54,000 sq. ft. of Class A medical office space, at the 375 Wampanoag Trail site in East Providence

Construction on the “University Medicine Patient Center” building began late last year. The building and site is owned by Marshall Properties of Pawtucket.

The $6.5 million project is one of few healthcare facilities in the region designed to support the “patient-centered medical home” model of care, which allows for collaboration and coordination between primary care and the specialties.

“The design model is intentional, and is new from the ground-up - not a rehab of an existing facility,” said Dr. Louis B. Rice, president and physician-in-chief of University Medicine. “Our construction project is moving along as planned and we are excited to be soon moving several of our existing patient care sites and office locations to our new address. Patients will experience a facility that is responsive to and centered around their needs and our desired outcomes for their quality of care. We will continue to operate primary care offices in Providence (North Main Street), East Greenwich, Warwick and Aquidneck Island, as well as specialty satellite offices, for the convenience of our patients.”

The UM practices that will be moving into the new facility are: General Internal Medicine at 111 Plain Street (Providence office only), Gastroenterology at 110 Lockwood Street (Providence), Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at 407 East Avenue (Pawtucket), Hypertension and Kidney Diseases at Rhode Island and The Miriam Hospitals, Primary Care at 285 Governor Street (Providence), Primary Care at 1275 Wampanoag Trail (East Providence), Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at Rhode Island Hospital, and Rheumatology at Rhode Island Hospital and Bristol Medical Center.

The facility will feature collaborative work areas for physicians, other clinicians and administrative personnel, and custom-designed spaces for patient access and functionality. The floor plan also includes flexible exam rooms for efficient sharing between offices during peak patient appointment times, easily accessible reception/check out and comfortable waiting areas. There will also be a laboratory, imaging services and plenty of free parking onsite.

The building project is designed as LEED sensitive, featuring energy-efficient HVAC and other mechanical systems and the use of sustainable materials throughout. Working with the developer and architect, the building will have a distinct branded “look” for UM, aesthetically inside and out, for both common and clinical areas. The design incorporates the latest in technology for wayfinding, ergonomics and medical devices, and uses natural light, warm colors and materials trending in interior design for healthcare and energy efficiency.

Leading the project is Brian Kelleher, president of The Aspen Group (North Reading, MA) advising on real estate and development, working with Vision3 Architects (Providence) and contractor A/Z Corporation (North Stonington, CT). Hayes & Sherry is the leasing broker.