VCU Health plans to open a new medical center at the former Pet Dairy facility. (BizSense file)
VCU Health is moving forward with plans to build a new medical center at the old Pet Dairy site near the Diamond District. This facility will be located at 1505 Robin Hood Road, where the long-abandoned milk-processing plant stands.
Recent documents indicate that the center will focus on cardiovascular health and be called the Pauley Heart Center Pavilion. It will feature vital imaging equipment, including a CT scanner and two MRI scanners. Details about the project, such as its overall size and cost, have not yet been disclosed.
A spokesperson from VCU Health noted that they are still in the early planning stages. They expressed eagerness to share more information as the project develops.
The former Pet Dairy facility viewed from the interstate. (Jonathan Spiers photos)
The new pavilion will enhance the existing Pauley Heart Center, which is part of VCU Health and located at the VCU Medical Center in downtown Richmond. This center provides a range of cardiac services, from heart transplants to preventive care and imaging services.
To move forward, VCU Health has submitted a letter to the Virginia Department of Health as a first step toward obtaining a Certificate of Public Need. Such approvals are necessary for many healthcare facilities in the state.
In October, VCU Health purchased the 6-acre property for $9.5 million. The site includes a large industrial building that has been inactive since 2017. The property was sold by Thalhimer Realty Partners, which is involved in nearby development projects.
VCU Health also owns another acre right next to this site. The area is close to VCU’s Athletic Village, which is also under development.
The health system is not just focusing on this project. It has other expansions planned, including a site in Chesterfield County and efforts to add more beds to its downtown facilities.
