Baptist Health is taking more interest in St. Johns County, purchasing land in the SilverLeaf development.
Baptist Health Properties Inc. paid $5.65 million on March 23 for property next to 22.25 acres it bought in July for $4.89 million.
“We recognize the importance of providing convenient access to quality health care throughout our region,” said Keith Tickell, senior vice president of Strategic Assets/Real Estate at Baptist Health.
SilverLeaf is in northern St. Johns County, west of Interstate 95 and south of County Road 210.
“The acquisition of this property is part of our ongoing commitment to serving the growing communities in St. Johns County and we look forward to developing plans that are tailored to the needs of residents at SilverLeaf and surrounding communities,” Tickell said March 26.
John Metcalf, vice president of The Hutson Companies, which is developing SilverLeaf, said Baptist’s newest purchase is about 11.5 acres.
That gives Baptist 33.75 acres.
The new acquisition can be used for the development and operation of a medical campus of up to 150,000 square feet, according to the deed. The property is zoned as vacant commercial.
In February, SilverLeaf applied for a major modification to its planned unit development, requesting that 300,000 square feet of hospital use be added. The St. Johns County Commission is reviewing it.
SilverLeaf is approved for 10,700 residential units, 1.77 million square feet of mixed-use and commercial space, and 3,500 acres of conservation land.
The Hutson Companies is developing SilverLeaf. It also developed OakLeaf Plantation and Johns Creek.
On March 24, an Ascension St. Vincent’s spokesman said the health system plans to build a hospital in northern St. Johns County along Interstate 95, but could not provide information on the location or timeline.
“The area and type of facility were selected based on present and future community need. We are currently in the preliminary planning phase for this exciting new project,” said spokesman Kyle Sieg.
Melissa Glasgow, director of economic development for St. Johns County, said she didn’t know what either provider has planned in the county, but isn’t surprised with their interest.
“St. Johns County is one of fastest growing counties in the nation, adding between 10,000 and 12,000 people a year,” she said. “There’s a long- term need to provide adequate medical services to a growing community.”
Baptist Health is developing Baptist HealthPlace at Nocatee. The health and wellness center, which will include primary and specialty health care, a YMCA, a Healthy Living Center and a cafe, is scheduled to open this summer.
Flagler Health+ is employing a similar concept in the county, with its Flagler Health+ Village open in MuraBella and another planned in Nocatee. It also purchased 40 acres in Durbin Park to construct another village, hospital, outpatient surgical services and cancer care center.
“You’re seeing interest by other medical providers wanting to enter the market, and I think that’s been made more easy to do with the state eliminating the certificate of need for new hospitals and long-term care facilities,” Glasgow said. “That has opened up the market.”