Emergency Department Expansion at Grace Cottage
In 1949 and 1953, two 1800s houses in Townshend were converted into a hospital connected to nursing home – a quintessential example of Vermont’s penchant for “continuous architecture.” This structure serves as Grace Cottage Family Health and Hospital’s primary care practice today, with a new hospital constructed on the hill behind the original buildings in 1997.
During the past 25 years, Grace Cottage’s practice has grown tremendously, now providing approximately 31,000 patient visits per year in these antiquated buildings with three entrance areas and numerous connecting and dead-end hallways. So C. J. King, Grace Cottage’s grantwriter and fundraiser, reached out to BDCC in the fall of 2021 to see if we could help.
Ultimately, the nonprofit’s leadership envisions a new clinic building – but after conversations with multiple stakeholders and potential funders, starting with a clear Emergency Department entrance and expanded emergency treatment area became the priority for the near term.
In early 2022, Grace Cottage received a grant from the Community Facilities Technical Assistance program to help cover the cost of the architectural drawings for this ED expansion. Once the plans were in hand and the costs determined, the Grace Cottage staff and board were able to get to work raising the necessary funds.
This July, just over a year later, Grace Cottage CEO Douglas DiVello will cut the ribbon on a spectacular new ED, featuring:
- A portico to provide weather protection for ambulances and a separate entrance for walk-in patients
- A dedicated waiting room and private check-in space to preserve patient confidentiality
- A triage room for initial assessment and treating minor issues, leaving the specially equipped treatment and trauma rooms ready for more severe issues
- Space dedicated to the presence of a 7-night-a-week overnight security officer
Meanwhile, the persistent and well-organized staff and board at Grace Cottage continue to move the planning and design work forward to make the long-held dream of a new clinic into reality. BDCC hopes to continue to support Grace Cottage through the Community Facilities program in realizing this vision.
Do you provide an essential community service, like healthcare or childcare, and have a facility that really needs upgrades for you to reach your potential? Fill us in!
The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth throughout Southeastern Vermont, including Windham County and the towns of Readsboro, Searsburg, Winhall and Weston. BDCC serves as the State of Vermont’s certified Regional Development Corporation (RDC) for the greater Windham County area. BDCC is one of 12 RDCs throughout Vermont. This BDCC activity was made possible in part by a grant from the State of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. For more information visit: https://brattleborodevelopment.com/
