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BELLEFONTE -- Mount Nittany Health plans to construct a new 40,000-square-foot medical office building in Bellefonte, expanding access to primary care, pediatrics, diagnostic imaging and other health services.
The two-story facility, planned for 987 E. Bishop St., will replace the health system’s existing Bellefonte practice, where patient demand has outgrown the available space.
The expansion will nearly double the number of primary care examination rooms, increasing capacity from 10 to 18. Pediatric services will expand to eight examination rooms, while a new ExpressCARE clinic will provide six examination rooms for walk-in patients.
The facility also will house a new imaging clinic offering X-ray and ultrasound services, allowing patients to receive diagnostic care in Bellefonte rather than traveling elsewhere.
Other services relocating to the building include laboratory services and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Centre County, which assists children who have experienced abuse and supports their families.
“More than 120 years ago, Bellefonte Hospital laid the cornerstone for what would become Mount Nittany Health,” said Kathleen Rhine, president and CEO of Mount Nittany Health. “Our roots are here and this project is a meaningful investment in that history and in Bellefonte’s future.”
According to Mount Nittany Health, the project is intended to address growing demand for medical services while reducing barriers to care, including transportation difficulties and time away from work or school.
The expanded Children’s Advocacy Center will receive updated facilities and additional space to serve children and families navigating cases of abuse.
“Access to health care is about more than having services available -- it’s about making those services practical and convenient for the people who need them,” said Dr. Christopher Hester, chief medical officer. “This facility will help us meet people where they are and continue our commitment to the health of Bellefonte and the broader community.”
Mount Nittany Health officials said community feedback helped shape the project. Information collected through the Community Health Needs Assessment, along with input from residents, influenced the building’s design and planned services.
The facility will include additional parking, improved accessibility and technology allowing patients to schedule their own appointments.
The expansion also is expected to create jobs, including positions associated with the new imaging clinic and other services. The health system did not specify how many positions would be added.
Mount Nittany Health held a groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 16 with community members, employees and project partners. Rather than a traditional ceremonial shovel turning, the event featured a confetti celebration.
Officials said the building is being designed with flexibility to accommodate additional services as community health care needs change.
A projected construction completion date and estimated project cost were not provided in the announcement.