VA and Wangard Partners Celebrate Groundbreaking for New Oconomowoc Clinic
The outpatient clinic will serve thousands of area veterans, focusing on community-based support
OCONOMOWOC, Wis., May 12, 2023 — Today, Wangard Partners Inc. (Wangard), a Milwaukee-based full-service real estate company, and the Clement J. Zablocki VA Health Care System joined local veterans and government officials to break ground and begin construction of the new Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Olympia Fields, within Oconomowoc. The clinic will play an integral part in making Olympia Fields a healthcare hub supported by two area hospitals, further expanding access to essential healthcare services for local veterans and community members.
The state-of-the-art VA facility will serve as many as 5,000 veterans and provide several different outpatient services, including primary care, mental health, whole health and women’s health. Once complete, this will be the Milwaukee VA’s western-most clinic, significantly enhancing access to VA care for veterans residing in Waukesha, Walworth, Washington, Jefferson and Dodge counties.
“The groundbreaking of our new clinic in Oconomowoc furthers our mission of providing world-class care to those who honorably served our country, right where they need it,” said James McLain, Milwaukee VA Medical Center Executive Director. “Located on the western outskirts of our service area, this facility will enable us to better serve thousands of veterans who previously had to travel to Milwaukee to receive care. We understand that many veterans face challenges in accessing the care they need, and this new clinic is a critical step in removing those barriers and providing top-quality care in a more convenient and accessible location.”
“As the Commander of Post 91, I can attest that this VA clinic will greatly improve the lives of our veterans,” said Jerry Wendt, Commander, Edwin L. Jones American Legion Post 91. “There are 18 Posts with over 2,000 members and six Veterans of Foreign War Posts closer to Oconomowoc than either Madison or Milwaukee. Since only one in 10 veterans join these originations, there will be a significant number of veterans served by this facility.”
“Continuing our long-term partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the groundbreaking of this essential facility is a great honor for us,” said Stewart Wangard, CEO and Chairman of Wangard Partners. “Previously, we worked with the VA to renovate a historic building on Martin Luther King Drive in Milwaukee into a community resource and referral center. Now, we have assembled the right team to help the VA bring this vital new clinic that truly understands veterans' needs to life. When veterans seek healthcare, we want to ensure they're getting the best care possible, and together with the VA, we will achieve that at Olympia Fields.”
Located at 1289 Olympia Fields Drive, Oconomowoc, the 8,500 square foot facility will join Appleton, Cleveland, Green Bay and Union Grove as community-based outpatient clinics in the Zablocki VA Health Care System, with an additional clinic planned for the Fond Du Lac area. Veterans also may utilize health care services at the system’s central campus in Milwaukee, including a hospital, inpatient and other outpatient services.
“This development, which will be the Milwaukee VA's western-most clinic, is a major milestone for veterans in Oconomowoc and the surrounding counties. Our brave veterans have given so much in service to our nation, and it is our privilege to ensure they receive the highest quality healthcare. This facility will offer easy access to comprehensive outpatient medical services, enabling our local veterans to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Together, we honor their sacrifices and celebrate this significant step forward in veterans' healthcare in Wisconsin,” said Robert Magnus, Mayor of Oconomowoc.
“I am thrilled to welcome this state-of-the-art veteran outpatient clinic to Waukesha County,” said Paul Farrow, Waukesha County Executive. “This development not only symbolizes our unwavering commitment to the brave men and women who have served our nation, but it also addresses a need for accessible and comprehensive healthcare for our United States veterans in Waukesha County. Together, we honor their sacrifices and ensure they receive the care they deserve.”
The outpatient clinic is expected to open in late 2023, with PRA (Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP) as the architect and Kraus-Anderson Construction Company as the construction manager on the project.
About Wangard Partners, Inc.
In 1992, Wangard began with the intention of being a different kind of commercial real estate firm, one inspired by a true passion for development. Wangard builds for communities, with communities. Wangard continues to improve the landscape of Wisconsin, not only by developing high-quality, unique properties, but by creating opportunities for job growth to build a stronger economy. Wangard Partners is the largest minority-owned developer in the state and has been recognized by its peers as Developer of The Year by The Daily Reporter for four consecutive years. Learn more at wangard.com.
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