Columbus Regional Enters ‘Next Big Phase’

Columbus Regional Hospital is the flagship of Columbus Regional Health

Columbus Regional Health has announced a more than $11 million acquisition of nearly 800 acres in Bartholomew County. A spokeswoman says health system officials are working with local economic development leaders on potential uses for the property. Columbus Regional Health has not detailed the full scope of their vision for the land, but says the portion it doesn’t end up using "creates a community development opportunity."

Chief Executive Officer Jim Bickel said in a video released by Columbus Regional Health, the acquisition will help bring a "broader and deeper bench" of care options to the community with a potential to add some 100 medical care providers in the next five years. He calls the acquisition a "win-win" situation for the system and the region.

Officials add the purchase puts Columbus Regional Health in a position to "engage in purposeful evolution and growth, and to meet anticipated future needs." Current development and maintenance plans will not be affected by the acquisition, Community Regional Health said in a news release.

The land, purchased from Garden City Farms LLC, is located near I-65 on the city’s west side. The seller did not wish to subdivide the undeveloped land and Columbus Regional Health said it "does not require the entire acreage for our future needs."

Mid-last year, Columbus Regional Health announced another acquisition — the $4.5 million purchase of the former Clarion Hotel and Conference Center. The system celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017.