Monroeville Council approves building of outpatient VA clinic at Monroeville Mall

The Monroeville council voted unanimously July 13 to green light the construction of an outpatient clinic near the Monroeville Mall for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affair.

Milwaukee-based Summit Smith Development was awarded a contract in April to construct the two-story, 70,000-square-foot clinic. The project’s estimated budget is $91 million.

Sean Roberts, vice president of Summit Smith Development, said Monroeville was chosen for its proximity to amenities because of the Monroeville Mall and the muncipality’s accesss to major roadways.

The clinic will be built on a parking lot by the east side of campus next to Macy’s.

Roberts said construction will begin this fall and is expected to be completed by early 2023 with occupancy ideally that same year on the 6.5 acre site.

“We are excited to get started. This will be a great addition to the mall campus,” he said.

JLL, the real estate firm that brokered the deal, said the clinic will provide veterans access to primary and specialty outpatient services and house several VA departments featuiring primary care, physical therapy, an eye clinic and a specialty clinic.

Summit Smith has eight other outpatient clinics across six states, making the Monroeville clinic its ninth.

“This will help give better healthcare access to veterans in the area,” Roberts said.

Councilwoman Linda Gaydos said council is excited about the project, especially because it will generate revenue.

“The building is a tax entity, so that’s another plus because it will help bring money into the municipality,” Gaydos said.

Gaydos said the location will make it easier for veterans who live in the eastern suburbs to have somewhere closer to receive health care treatment.

“I am excited about it coming to serve people and that they picked us to have it here,” she said.