Ridgeview expansion to add 150 jobs

Van Wert independent/submitted information

MIDDLE POINT — A $2.5-million expansion at Ridgeview Behavioral Hospital in eastern Van Wert County will nearly double the size of the facility and create an estimated 100-150 new jobs.

The official groundbreaking for the 16,500 square foot addition, to be built by Bellefontaine-based firm Thomas & Marker Construction Company, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 28, at the hospital.

“There is a need that exists in this area, as well as the surrounding counties, for the type of treatment offered by Ridgeview Behavioral Hospital, which is mental health and chemical dependency,” said Administrator Patrick Tracy. “With the new expansion, this will allow us the opportunity to provide even more individuals with the resources that are essential to their recovery.”

Matt Ludwig, project executive with Thomas & Marker, said his company has a strong background in the healthcare industry and previous cooperation on projects with Fort Wayne, Ind.-based project architect Design Collaborative. That, combined with the partnership with Ridgeview and local subcontractors, made it possible to assemble a standout team that will deliver a great facility.

“We built a strong team to complete a successful project,” Ludwig said.

The 40-bed facility will have about 76-78 patient beds after the expansion. Ridgeview has a staff of 150 employees; with the expansion, the hospital plans to increase that number to 250-300.

“We have seen a strong work force here at Middle Point, which will make the transition to expanding to a larger hospital workforce much smoother,” Tracy said.

The hospital, which began seeing patients in May 2012, has tried to use local subcontractors and vendors for the construction as much as possible, Tracy said.

Although the hospital was eligible for tax abatement, the offer was declined, Tracy said, so that the money could instead be allocated to the community. The money will primarily go to Lincolnview High School, with the remainder going to Van Wert County government, Vantage Career Center, Ridge Township, and other entities.

Ridgeview worked with the Van Wert County commissioners and Ridge Township trustees to gain approval for the project.

“We are very pleased with the support we’ve received from the Van Wert County commissioners, Ridge Township trustees, and the community as a whole,” Tracy said.

All three commissioners are enthusiastic about the project and believe an expansion of its size is promising in Van Wert County, said Commissioners Chairman Todd Wolfrum, adding that Ridgeview is creating much needed, well-paying jobs for the residents of Van Wert County.

“The county commissioners are happy to see growth and outside investment into Van Wert that present a move in the county toward development and job creation,” Wolfrum said.

Rob Hines of Design Collaborative said Ridgeview administrators wanted the ability to staff the facility based on demand. The addition was divided into two halves surrounding a central staff area, a design that allows Ridgeview staff to service both sides of the hospital simultaneously or close one half if demand allows.

“By keeping the staff centrally located in the facility, they can have an immediate and direct connection with Ridgeview patients, allowing more efficient and effective patient/staff interactions,” Hines said.