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FREEPORT - The completion of FHN's new clinic in Freeport is bringing accolades not only to the city, but also to the company that created it.

Ringland/Johnson Construction of Rockford is being recognized for the quality of the project in the December issue of Midwest Construction magazine, one of the premier design, construction and real estate industry magazines in the country.

According to Ringland/Johnson president Brent Johnson, the company received an Award of Merit in the Health Care - Small Projects category in the Midwest Region, which encompasses Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Eastern Missouri.

"There were about 128 major entries," says Johnson, "and only 36 actually won."

Of the FHN project, "We're really excited...because it puts Freeport on the map in the large Chicago/Indianapolis real estate markets."

The $15 million, 60,000 square foot project took 60 construction workers 14 months to complete.  It's the heart of the Burchard Hills Development area in southwest Freeport.  Johnson says the Prairie design style of the clinic is what sets it apart from other medical facilities.

"(FHN CEO) Dr. (Micheal) Perry was integral in the design and feel of it so it would almost have a spa-like feel, so patients aren't intimidated, but feel a warm environment when they come in for treatments."

Johnson, too, pointed to a large wooden staircase and fireplace in the lobby as elements of the new clinic that almost give it a lodge-like feeling.  He says there's quite a bit of stone and carpentry work involved in the project that aren't always part of new architecture.

Ringland/Johnson's contract with FHN called for the company to be design/builder of the clinic.  But Johnson said a large amount of the work was sub-contracted out to the Rockford-based architectural firm of Larson & Darby Group.

Two-thirds of Ringland/Johnson's business involves healthcare.  In fact, the company recently completed the construction of a new medical office building for OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Loves Park.  The $27 million project offers physician's clinics, offices, imaging, and urgent care.  The company also includes Rockford Health System and SwedishAmerican Health System among it's clients.

"Health care is evolving and changing greatly," says Johnson.  "There's a whole new wave of healthcare construction methods that's very different than others, so having this award is not only an honor for Freeport, but it is good for Ringland/Johnson because of the evolution in healthcare building, designing/construction and how that will establish our credibility."

Johnson also points out that many Freeport companies were instrumental in getting the project completed.  He listed Morse Electric, Civil Engineering and Fischer Stone as being important parts of the new clinic.

The new FHN Family Healthcare Center - Burchard Hills will be open during a special open house Saturday, Dec. 6.

The open house will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m.  Children are invited to enjoy a holiday activity and Santa will be available to hear holiday lists.

-The Focus of Northwest Illinois
By Alan Jones