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SSM Health, Verona officials mark start of construction on 37,000-square-foot outpatient center
Summary
SSM Health and Verona officials held a ceremonial event to mark the start of construction on a two‑story, 37,000-square-foot outpatient center in Verona. Speakers highlighted expanded local access to primary and specialty care, sustainability goals and local partnerships; no formal votes or permits were recorded at the ceremony.
SSM Health and Verona officials on Tuesday held a ceremonial event in Verona to mark the official start of construction on a two‑story, 37,000‑square‑foot outpatient center that SSM Health says will offer primary and specialty care and expand access for the surrounding community.
"Today marks more than the start of construction. It demonstrates the continuation of our mission to bring exceptional compassionate care closer to where people live and raise their families," said Jason Craig, vice president for medical group operations for SSM Health in Wisconsin.
The project, which speakers said is designed with energy efficiency and WELL certification goals, will be built south of Highway 151 in Verona. Architects and builders described the center as intended to support clinical workflow, staff wellbeing and patient experience through natural light, improved indoor air quality and other evidence‑based design strategies.
Jason Craig said the facility will serve Verona residents and the greater metropolitan area and thanked SSM Health teams, design partners and local officials for their support. Al Krueger of Kahler Slater, the architectural firm on the project, described the building as a "restorative environment" and said, "This new 37,000 square foot outpatient center spans 2 stories. It will offer primary and specialty care services, and it's a testament to what's possible when architecture is guided by empathy, innovation, and collaboration."
Nick Hair, project manager from J.P. Cullen, thanked construction and design partners and said, "It does take a strong team to turn turn a vision into a reality." Mayor Luke Diaz welcomed the project to the city, saying, "I wanna formally welcome SSM Health to Verona. This new facility is gonna provide health care to Verona residents and beyond," and noted the project will bring jobs and development south of Highway 151.
The ceremony included a brief reflection led by Chaplain Susan Lee and closing remarks from Sue Anderson of SSM Health. Speakers also acknowledged other firms on the project team by name, including IMAG, Ayres and Associates, Grace, Cooper Corporation and 19o1.
No formal city votes, resolutions or permits were recorded during the ceremonial event. Speakers repeatedly characterized the gathering as a milestone in a planning and construction process rather than as a point of regulatory decision. The event concluded with ceremonial photos and an invitation for attendees to participate in a symbolic groundbreaking activity.
The announcement provided basic project details — size, number of stories, intended services and design priorities — but did not include construction timelines, funding amounts or permit status. Those items were not specified during the ceremony.
