As COVID-19 cases continue to surge nationwide, hospitals face a series of challenges reminiscent of those they dealt with in March when the pandemic first struck. Among the toughest issues for facility managers is adding space to accommodate the rising tide of patients. New York City has even reopened a field hospital it has not needed since the spring. Among the most popular targets for additional facility space are vacant buildings that once housed big-box retailers.

Organizations looking to quickly expand and improve access see promising opportunity in repurposing these buildings for ambulatory care, according to Healthcare Facilities Management. The buildings often are located in populated areas with high traffic, good visibility and access, and abundant parking. And from a real estate perspective, the building and land might be favorably valued. 

Before moving forward, it is critical for facility managers and owners to understand the challenges and risk factors that might affect project cost, schedule, return on investment and overall feasibility. 

A thorough evaluation enables organizations to assess their options and choose the best course of action, whether that is to: buy the property and renovate the existing building; buy the property and build a new facility; or look for a different property that better meets their goals and objectives.

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