By Kevin Hanson

The Courier-Herald

Work on a new Enumclaw Community Hospital could begin in about a year and new facility could be operating by the end of 2007, according to plans recently adopted by the hospital's board of directors.

A major step was cleared early this month when hospital officials agreed to terms with Landmark Healthcare Facilities, a Wisconsin-based corporation, to develop plans for a new facility.

Assuming all goes as hoped, the new hospital will spring to life directly north of the current facility, across Battersby Avenue. The hospital already owns most of the property in the block and has also secured all the property in the block directly west of the existing hospital.

Between now and the end of the year, Landmark will assist hospital staff with defining what services will be offered in the new facility and how much space will be needed. During the first half of 2006, detailed plans will come together for the hospital site, including parking. Budgets will be narrowed down and necessary approval will be sought from various agencies.

By June or July, it's expected Landmark will present a guaranteed construction price and final construction documents. If everything falls into place, construction could begin in September 2006.

Hospital officials are hoping to build an entirely new facility, then demolish the current hospital and use the site for parking. If that's not financially feasible, the newest portion of the existing facility will be retained and used for non-patient services such as the business office, support services and meeting rooms.

Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com.