The second phase of Orange Park Medical Center’s $126 million expansion - a dining area, cafeteria and kitchen - is open.
“The Orange Grove” cafeteria offers gluten-free, diabetic and vegetarian options and a “you choose” menu for patients. Center employees selected the cafeteria’s name, the news release said.
The cafeteria will serve 1,800 meals a day to patients, visitors and staff.
Food and Nutrition Services Director Leann John said the cafeteria will follow COVID-19 precautions, limiting how food is displayed and served. The cafeteria will offer pizza, grill selections, soft-serve ice cream, deli options and a salad bar when it is safe.
“Now more than ever, it’s important for loved ones and our staff to have a place they can enjoy a healthy meal and take time away to recharge,” John said in a news release. “We are fortunate to have amazing colleagues at the frontlines caring for our community.”
Construction on the second phase took a year and cost about $9 million.
Charles Perry Partners Inc. served as the general contractor and TMPartner PLLC was the architect.
The remainder of the $126 million expansion includes the 48-bed patient care tower. The first phase of the project, the ground floor of the patient tower, opened in May.
That included 5,800 square feet of outpatient testing, imaging services, patient registration and 2,200 square feet of shell space.
The rest of the tower is expected to open later this year.
