The coined “Legacy Building,” which will house NMU’s School of Health and Human Performances, the Advanced Center for Orthopedics, and Plastic Surgery in Marquette and U.P. Rehab Services is currently undergoing construction and is projected to open in early February.
The new building will provide a space leased by NMU’s health department and is seen as a way to explore non-traditional treatments of cancer.
Victor Harrington, regional director of marketing and business development of U.P. Health System, said the building’s construction is proceeding on schedule and expects the building to be completed at the appointed time.
“The progress in such a short time has been incredible,” Harrington said. “The construction team, Associated Constructers, is doing a fantastic job with an emphasis on quality, safety and efficiency.”
Harrington talked highly of the convenience of the building’s location.
“The close proximity of this destination center to the hospital is going to be great for our patients, community and the medical professionals providing services.”
The upcoming building’s name has been determined and Harrington has expressed excitement in revealing it to the community soon. The building is on its way to having an identity as to what services and research it will provide.
“This destination center will provide a number of services under one roof,” Harrington said. “Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a weekend warrior, all of your needs will be available here. We will have orthopedic services, rehabilitation, education, research, fitness and more.”
The building will be shared between three entities, with NMU being one of them.
“UP Health System is thrilled to partner with NMU and we look forward to the collaboration,” Harrington said.
“I think that we are going to have a lot of good momentum going into it,” said Liz Wourinen, associate dean and director of the School of Health and Human Performance. “A lot of people are excited to hear what exercise oncology is,” she added. “And how it’s going to be able to reach out to not only the Marquette community but also the surrounding communities and trying to help out as many people as we can.”
Wuorinen said she hopes to see the building become a destination center where outsiders will come to Marquette to work with the building’s workers.
“As we get closer to the opening date that sense of reality is somewhat scary but exciting,” Wourinen said.
She said the people who will work in the building have discussed possibilities as to what they could use the space for to greater benefit the community. She added she is eager to share what the plans are once the time comes to unveil them.
