Austin’s Central Health $12M redo of former VA

AUSTIN – Central Health is set to begin the $12 million renovation of its 73,000-sf Southeastern Health and Wellness Center on Montopolis Dr. near Ben White Blvd.

Previously the VA Outpatient Clinic, the center will provide health care services where high poverty rates drive more residents into emergency rooms instead of primary care centers.

The first phase of the center’s renovation is expected to be completed this summer and will usher in basic services such as primary care physicians, specialty care services, dental care, radiology and a pharmacy when it opens in the fall.

The project’s second phase will address the wellness needs of the community, with services such as exercise classes, a garden, nutrition counseling, health screenings and an insurance exchange center as possible offerings.

Central Health purchased the building for $8 million in 2011 with the intent of converting it into a center that could address the health care service crunch east of I-35.