Northern Counties Health Care (NCHC) is pleased to announce that plans are moving forward to make use of the Caplan’s building to better serve the community.
The organization purchased the Caplan’s building in October 2021, and since that time, NCHC has been considering the best way to utilize the building as part of its efforts to help build thriving and healthy communities. That plan has now been formed.
NCHC, following the appropriate town and state permitting processes, will relocate the Northern Express Care – St. Johnsbury practice from its current location, on the corner of Eastern Avenue and Railroad Street, to the Caplan’s Building. In addition, a portion of the building will be renovated for future community use.
Northern Express Care – St. Johnsbury opened in November 2020, through a partnership with NCHC and NVRH. The number of patients seeking walk-in care at the location has increased, and a new space is needed to meet the demand for services now and in the future.
“Caplan’s is an ideal space for Northern Express Care – St. Johnsbury,” said Dan Sherman, NCHC Director of Primary Care. “Being downtown provides a convenient walk-in option for people seeking care. The Caplan’s building allows us to stay downtown and provides the additional space needed to continue providing high-quality care, with an improved patient and staff experience.”
“Vermont’s downtowns are special, and we are thrilled that the Caplan’s building will serve St. Johnsbury for years to come,” said Michael Costa, NCHC CEO. “We are grateful to play a small part in the efforts already underway to make sure downtown St. Johnsbury is a vibrant destination for our residents and visitors alike.”
NCHC plans to incorporate the building’s history in the redesign, and will also permanently recognize and remember Gary Ely as part of this project.
Beyond medical space, the building will retain some space for future community needs.
“We want to learn and grow with our community, and keeping some of the building open provides us with a platform to collaborate with our community,” said Chris Towne, NCHC Chief Strategy Officer. “We plan to convene a small group to explore other community-focused initiatives for approximately 900 square feet of the renovated space.”
NCHC is currently finalizing the design and engineering for the building and will then work through the necessary permitting steps. Northern Express Care – St. Johnsbury will open in the new location during the summer of 2023.
