Expanding Healthcare Access in Western North Carolina

The new medical office building, designed by LS3P Architects, will consolidate a range of essential healthcare services under one roof. This strategic move aims to streamline patient care and enhance the overall healthcare experience. The facility will house primary care, pediatric services, specialty clinics, rehabilitation services, advanced imaging capabilities, a full-service laboratory, and a convenient retail pharmacy.

Henderson County is financing the construction through a reimbursement resolution approved by the Board of Commissioners. This innovative approach allows UNC Health Pardee to cover the county’s borrowing costs through lease payments, ensuring the project proceeds without increasing the tax burden on local residents. County officials highlighted that this strategy leverages the county’s strong credit rating to secure favorable financing terms.

Patient-Centered Design and Sustainable Practices

The SH MOB is being designed with a modern, patient-centered philosophy at its core. Intuitive navigation, comfortable surroundings, and operational efficiency are key priorities. The building’s design incorporates durable, regionally appropriate materials that blend seamlessly with the local landscape while ensuring long-term performance and minimizing environmental impact.

According to LS3P, the facility will feature a 30-room Pardee BlueMD Primary Care Clinic, alongside dedicated spaces for pediatric and specialty care, outpatient rehabilitation, imaging services, a comprehensive laboratory, and a retail pharmacy. A community conference center will also be included, fostering patient education and community engagement.

Flexible clinical layouts, including modular exam rooms and shared provider spaces, are designed to adapt to evolving healthcare needs and improve workflow efficiency for care teams. Large windows and thoughtful interior planning will maximize natural light, creating a welcoming and healing environment for patients, staff, and visitors. What impact do you think a more welcoming healthcare environment will have on patient outcomes?

Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is a central tenet of the SH MOB’s design. The building will incorporate high-performance mechanical systems, energy-efficient LED lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and a thermally efficient building envelope to minimize energy and water consumption. These features demonstrate UNC Health Pardee’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Site improvements will include stormwater management features and native landscaping, aligning with UNC Health Pardee’s broader environmental goals and integrating the facility harmoniously into the surrounding Spartanburg Highway corridor. The site plan also includes nearly 195 parking spaces and a covered patient drop-off area to ensure convenient access for all.

Part of a Larger Expansion Strategy

The Spartanburg Highway Medical Office Building is just one component of UNC Health Pardee’s ambitious long-term expansion strategy across Western North Carolina. Additional medical office buildings and outpatient facilities are planned throughout Henderson County and neighboring communities, with the overarching goal of increasing primary care capacity and bringing specialized services closer to where patients live. How will this expansion impact the availability of specialized care in the region?

UNC Health Pardee President and CEO James M. Kirby II emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating, “As the region continues to grow, so do the demands on care and services across Henderson County. This partnership allows us to meet patients where they are and ensure access to high-quality care today and into the future.” The SH MOB embodies the organization’s “Pardee Way” – a philosophy centered on welcoming environments, strong community connections, and a commitment to ensuring every patient feels seen and supported.

Construction is expected to be completed in early 2027, with patient services anticipated to open shortly thereafter. This new facility promises to be a vital resource for the community, providing accessible, high-quality healthcare for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About the SH MOB

What services will be offered at the new UNC Health Pardee medical office building?

The facility will offer a comprehensive range of services, including primary care, pediatric care, specialty clinics, rehabilitation, imaging, laboratory services, and a retail pharmacy.

How is Henderson County contributing to the construction of the new medical office building?

Henderson County is financing the construction through a reimbursement resolution, with UNC Health Pardee covering the borrowing costs through lease payments, avoiding a tax increase for residents.

What sustainable design features are incorporated into the SH MOB?

The building incorporates high-performance mechanical systems, LED lighting, low-flow plumbing, a thermally efficient envelope, stormwater management, and native landscaping.

When is the expected completion date for the Spartanburg Highway Medical Office Building?

Construction is expected to be completed in early 2027, with patient services opening shortly thereafter.

How does this project align with UNC Health Pardee’s overall expansion strategy?

This project is a key component of UNC Health Pardee’s long-term plan to expand healthcare access across Western North Carolina, increasing primary care capacity and bringing specialized services closer to patients.

What is the “Pardee Way” and how does it influence the design of the SH MOB?

The “Pardee Way” emphasizes welcoming environments, community connection, and ensuring every patient feels seen and supported, all of which are reflected in the building’s patient-centered design.