A formal groundbreaking ceremony was held on November 10 for Legacy Community Health Services’ new 40,000-square-foot clinic at 1415 California Street. Legacy’s executive director Katy Caldwell, staff, board members, supporters, and donors were on hand for the ceremony, as was Houston Mayor Annise D. Parker.
Currently the largest Federally Qualified Health Center in Harris County, Legacy provides low-cost or no-cost primary and specialized healthcare services to Houston-area men, women, and children.
“Legacy’s vision is to continue to serve as a healthcare home by building a network of community clinics where people will feel welcomed and respected while receiving the highest quality healthcare services, regardless of their ability to pay,” Caldwell said in a statement to the press.
Designed to meet the growing need for quality comprehensive healthcare for the uninsured and underinsured in the Houston community, the new clinic doubles the space currently utilized by three different Legacy locations. It will eventually house eight specialty clinics, 10 social service programs, and four health education programs. The new LEED-certified green building also offers 25 exam rooms, a dental clinic, eye clinic, pharmacy, a courtyard with seating, and more than 130 parking spaces.
The structure is being erected around three large 100-year-old oak trees. The trees serve as a reminder of Legacy’s roots in the Montrose community, Caldwell added.
“The trees that we have preserved on this site to me are living symbols. Their roots represent the deep roots Legacy has in the Montrose community, the large trunks speak to the strength that the clinic had during the darkest days of the AIDS crisis, the ever-expanding canopy symbolizes the refuge we give to so many in difficult times, and the green leaves and new growth represent the hope we have for the future,” said Caldwell.
“We are committed to serving a diverse community, including those persons who have traditionally faced problems accessing quality health care.” Info: legacycommunityhealth.org. —Nancy Ford
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