Circle of Life buys Lowell land to accommodate growth

by Paul Gatling ([email protected]) 1,061 views 

Springdale-based nonprofit Circle of Life, a hospice provider, has completed a $2 million land deal for nine acres in Lowell west of Interstate 49. The undeveloped land is at the corner of Goad Springs Road and Metro Plaza.

Dee Vaughn, Circle of Life’s chief development officer, said the land would be developed to include a new building that would expand outpatient services in Northwest Arkansas. The new facility would replace the nonprofit’s annex at the intersection of U.S. Highway 71B and Wagon Wheel Road in Springdale.

The project is still in the design phase and construction is expected to start within a year.

“Due to significant growth within the region and the number of patients cared for in their homes by the Circle of Life team, we have outgrown our current home-service location and plan to build a larger facility on the new property in Lowell,” board chairman Hector Gonzalez said in a statement. “The land is centrally located with easy access to I-49 to serve our community even better. Over 90% of our patients live in their homes, assisted living centers and nursing homes while receiving hospice care, so this facility will support a large portion of the business.”

According to a news release, the new facility would be the hub for all outpatient services. It would include offices and meeting space for physicians, nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers who provide care for Circle of Life patients throughout Benton, Washington, Carroll and Madison counties. The building would also provide additional warehouse space for medical equipment and supplies provided to patients in home settings.

Circle of Life has 250 employees.

“The purchase of this land ensures that our team can continue providing the exceptional care we are known for within the Northwest Arkansas community,” CEO Catherine Grubbs said in the release. “We are committed to growing as an organization alongside the region and to continue doing so for many years to come.”

Circle of Life will launch a capital campaign to raise money for the project. Vaughn said a formal launch will occur when the building size, design and cost are finalized.