Facing east, the former Schimmel's Restaurant is on the left and UMMC is visible in the background.

by Tom Fortner, UMMC Public Affairs

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is undertaking three real estate development projects that will have a positive impact on the Fondren neighborhood.

The projects include a health and wellness center, an upscale housing development, and a hotel with conference center.  The projects have a two to three-year time frame for completion.  “Each of these projects, which represent millions of dollars of investment, will be a true benefit for the Medical Center and the communities that surround it,” said Dr. David Powe, chief administrative officer for UMMC.  “We are delighted to do our part in creating a bright future for Fondren.”

Each of the projects will be financed, constructed, owned and managed by private development groups.  UMMC will lease the land to the owners. The groups were selected by UMMC based on a competitive review process that was conducted in late 2012 and recently concluded.

The health and wellness center will be constructed on UMMC-owned property adjacent to the former Schimmel’s restaurant on North State Street.  The center will be a state-of-the-art facility that incorporates a medical model for fitness and will also include retail space.  The center will be open to UMMC employees and students as well as area residents.

The housing complex will be constructed on Lakeland Drive across from the current Lakeland entrance to the Medical Center.  The development will contain as many as 200 high-quality apartments as well as office and retail space.  The location of the hotel and conference center will be determined by a market study.  Powe said UMMC needs overnight accommodations for many visitors to campus as well as conference center facilities that are superior to those currently on campus.