Beaumont plans $250 million
northern Oakland clinic

By R.J. King, The Detroit News

INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP – Beaumont Hospitals plans to establish
a medical campus in north Oakland County that would offer outpatient
surgery, diagnostic services, a nursing home and senior housing.

"We have purchased 48 acres of land in Independence Township,
and we are looking at several options for the property," said Ilene Wolff,
a Beaumont spokeswoman.

The land was owned by an affiliate of the Silverman Cos. real estate firm
in Bingham Farms.

Wolff declined to confirm the investment amount, but Independence Township Supervisor David H. Wagner said the price tag is $250 million.

Beaumont doesn't plan to have any hospital beds at the proposed campus
at Interstate 75 and M-15 near downtown Clarkston, Wolff said.

Beaumont operates hospitals in Troy and Royal Oak and employs close
to 12,000 people in Oakland County.

The project could start later this year and be completed in 2007,
Wagner said.

"I've met with Beaumont officials three or four times about their campus,
and I believe most of the zoning is in place for the project," he said.

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said the Beaumont project would help diversify the county's economy.

"Our leading position as home to the automotive industry would be enhanced
by added medical services," he said.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/metro/0504/11/A01-145587.htm