Marshall Med School

Introduction to the Plan

Marshall University is in the process of acquiring the Northcott Court property in Huntington’s Fairfield neighborhood for the future Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. The university spokeswoman, Leah Payne, said several other parcels were considered; however, the Northcott property makes the most sense for the project.

The current plan calls for a facility between 133,000 and 158,000 square feet with a total projected cost of $108 million. The facility will house a clinical simulation center, a Community Health Institute, and expanded informatics and population health analytics capabilities.

The Significance of the Location

The Northcott Court site was a 129-unit affordable housing structure built in 1940. In 2010, the Huntington West Virginia Housing Authority started a process of applying for a low-income housing tax credit to renovate the site. Through KYOVA Interstate Planning Commission and the Hal Greer Boulevard plan, it was determined the best use for the property was to turn it into commercial space. Demolition started in 2013 and was completed in 2016-17.

Huntington Mayor Patrick Farrell said during an editorial board meeting that the Northcott site would make a good fit on the foundation already built in the area. To him, Hal Greer Boulevard from the hospital down to the underpass has become a health sciences kind of corridor. That’s where the Marshall pharmacy school is, so it seems to be a natural place for the med school to be built.

Benefits to the Community

If the university does acquire the property for the new school, Farrell said it would be a benefit to Marshall and the city, as the proposed school would bring new jobs and new investment in the area. I very much believe the success of Marshall equals the success of Huntington, he said.

Farrell said the proposed plan should also benefit the community. Fairfield is the spiritual center of our Black community, and they need to be a part of this as well. It can’t just benefit Marshall. It has to benefit Huntington, which means it has to benefit the Fairfield community. And so I think that should all be considered as they build it.

The Impact on the Neighborhood

For several years, the Northcott Court site has been considered for a grocery store for the Fairfield neighborhood. Farrell said the city has tried to recruit small grocers to the area, but the development of a Kroger Marketplace between 3rd and 5th avenues at 24th Street and declining population makes it hard to attract a small grocery store in that location.

There are lots of questions about, does this mean there’s going to be no grocery store, and I would say yes. At that particular piece of property, it seems like there is going to be a med school. Not a grocery store, Farrell said. That goes back to years of promises they believe they’ve had, and I think that’s something that needs to be considered.

What’s Next

The acquisition of the Northcott Court property by Marshall University is a significant step forward for the future Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. As the project progresses, it will be crucial to consider the impact on the community and ensure that the benefits of the new school are shared by all. The city and the university must work together to make sure that the development of the med school brings new opportunities and investment to the area, while also addressing the needs of the existing community.

Industry Context

The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is part of a larger trend of investment in healthcare infrastructure in the region. Marshall University’s existing health care campus, which includes the pharmacy school, provides a foundation for the new medical school. The region’s need for medical education and training programs is significant, with a shortage of primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals. According to recent studies, the region faces a substantial gap in healthcare professionals, with many residents lacking access to essential medical services. This shortage underscores the importance of the new medical school in addressing the community’s healthcare needs.

History of the Northcott Court Property

The Northcott Court property has a long history in the Fairfield neighborhood. Originally built as a 129-unit affordable housing structure in 1940, the site has been vacant since 2015. The Huntington West Virginia Housing Authority’s efforts to renovate the site as a low-income housing complex were ultimately unsuccessful. The property’s reuse as a medical school represents a significant investment in the community and a new chapter in its history. Over the years, there have been various proposals for the site, including plans for a grocery store and other commercial developments. However, the current plan for the medical school appears to be the most promising, given the university’s commitment to the project and the potential benefits to the community.

Technical Mechanics

The new medical school will feature a clinical simulation center, a Community Health Institute, and expanded informatics and population health analytics capabilities. These state-of-the-art facilities will provide students with hands-on training and experience in a variety of clinical settings. The school’s focus on population health and analytics reflects the evolving needs of the healthcare industry and the importance of data-driven decision-making. The simulation center, for instance, will allow students to practice and hone their clinical skills in a controlled environment, reducing the risk of errors and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, the Community Health Institute will provide a platform for community outreach and engagement, enabling the university to address the healthcare needs of the local population.

Downstream Implications

The development of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine will have significant implications for the community and the region. The school is expected to bring new jobs and investment to the area, while also addressing the need for medical education and training programs. However, the project also raises questions about the impact on the neighborhood, including the potential displacement of existing residents and businesses. As the project moves forward, it will be essential for the city and the university to work together to ensure that the benefits of the new school are shared by all. This may involve implementing measures to mitigate the impact on local businesses and residents, such as providing relocation assistance or investing in community development initiatives.

Long-term Consequences

In the long term, the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is expected to have a profound impact on the region’s healthcare landscape. By providing a steady stream of highly trained medical professionals, the school will help address the region’s healthcare needs and improve access to quality care. Moreover, the school’s focus on population health and analytics will enable it to stay at the forefront of medical education and research, driving innovation and excellence in the field. As the project progresses, it will be crucial for the university and the city to continue working together to ensure that the school’s benefits are realized and its challenges are addressed.