Complex Combines Medical Offices, Retail Shopping

A new medical complex in Fullerton scheduled to open by the end of 2007 will combine physicians' offices with retail stores, the Los Angeles Times reports. The 100,000-square-foot Providence Center represents a growing trend in Southern California of medical offices buying vacant space near retail centers.

Garth Hogan, the project's broker, estimated that there would be up to 2,000 daily visitors to the Providence Center, which is currently 60% pre-leased.

Tenants include:

A medical imaging office;
An obstetrics and gynecology practice;
A surgery center; and
National chain restaurants.

Thomas LeBeau, the complex's developer, said the mall portion of the Providence Center is scheduled to house contemporary restaurants and a skin treatment spa. LeBeau said he hopes to attract other convenience retailers such as sunglass and mobile phone shops, and a gym.

To encourage shopping and eating, LeBeau said that the physicians' offices will have small waiting rooms and that patients will be administered pagers to alert them when the physician is ready.

The complex will be located next to St. Jude Medical Center, LeBeau said (Yi, Los Angeles Times, 1/12). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.