TriStar Horizon pitches $21 million freestanding ER for Fairview
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Summary
TriStar Horizon said it plans to build a $21 million, 11,000‑square‑foot freestanding emergency room at 2273 Fairview Boulevard, promising on‑site CT and lab services and “north of 30” full‑time jobs; the company said the facility would operate as a satellite of its Dixon emergency department and must still secure regulatory approvals.
Wyatt Chocolate, CEO of TriStar Horizon Medical Center, told the Fairview Board of Commissioners on March 5 that TriStar plans to build a freestanding emergency room at 2273 Fairview Boulevard and is seeking the city’s support as it pursues regulatory approvals. Chocolate described the project as an 11,000‑square‑foot, 11‑room facility with dedicated EMS access and an on‑site lab, CT scanner and x‑ray. He told the board the initial construction investment would be about $21,000,000 and predicted the project would create “north of 30” full‑time jobs.
"Every reduced minute of travel matters," Chocolate said, arguing that bringing emergency care closer to Fairview residents would shorten response times and keep critical care in the community. He said the proposed TriStar Fairview ER would operate as a satellite of TriStar Horizon’s Dixon emergency department and be staffed by the same physicians and nurses who serve the region.
Commissioners asked about hiring and site design. Commissioner Buffalini asked whether local residents would get hiring priority; Chocolate said the system already employs many Fairview residents and that the company intends to prioritize local hiring where possible. Commissioner Roberts pressed for more detail about the facility’s footprint and patient flow; Chocolate said the plan includes a trauma/resuscitation room that meets state standards, a dedicated EMS entrance and 11 treatment rooms.
Chocolate said the ER would add services not currently available in town — including on‑site comprehensive lab services and advanced imaging — and described the project as the next step after earlier outpatient investments in Fairview. He closed by asking for the board’s consideration as TriStar moves through permitting and the certificate‑of‑need process.
The board gave Chocolate time to present and asked follow‑up questions but took no formal action on the proposal. Next steps identified during the meeting include TriStar’s pursuit of state approvals and continued coordination with city staff on site plan and permitting.
