The University of Wyoming has purchased a medical facility adjoining its Laramie campus where Covid-19 confirmatory testing and eventual administration of coronavirus vaccine will take place.
The university says in a news release that the acquisition of the Mountain View Medical Park building for $8.4 million, also consolidates the university’s land ownership on the northeast end of campus -- and provides space for the WWAMI Medical Education Program and other future health sciences and related program needs.
The purchase, made with federal coronavirus aid, includes the 31,255-square-foot, two-story building and 5.12 acres.
Tenants of the facility -- medical and dentistry offices for several local firms -- will remain in the building under existing leases that extend for two more years.
The university already is putting unused space to use for Covid-19 confirmatory testing, and it plans to administer coronavirus vaccinations there when they become available.
University President Ed Seidel says the acquisition will provide long-term benefits for the university because the building is surrounded by university-owned property and will provide needed space for programs.
In fact, UW has been leasing space in the building for the WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho) Medical Education Program to use for instructional activities. College of Health Sciences Dean David Jones says the facility could be a home to other programs envisioned in the college’s long-term planning.
“While this purchase will meet an immediate health care need, we’re excited about the opportunities it presents for the future,” says Jones. “It’s a wonderful facility in a great spot for us.”
