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Lane County buys former BestMed clinic for Florence opioid treatment center; staff expect occupancy about a year away
Summary
Health & Human Services staff told commissioners they acquired a 7,200‑sq‑ft former clinic in Florence for roughly $1.7 million and completed schematic design; they expect to bid construction this fall and occupy the site around this time next year pending DEA and permit approvals.
Lane County Health & Human Services updated the Board of Commissioners on June 9 about progress toward an opioid treatment and behavioral health facility in Florence, including the county’s acquisition of a former BestMed clinic property.
Staff said the parcel — a 7,200‑square‑foot building just south of the Fred Meyer property along Highway 101 — was negotiated and purchased for about $1.7 million after a counteroffer to cover a needed roof repair. County staff reported schematic design is complete, the project team has hired an architect experienced with medical facilities, and staff expect to bring construction contract documents to the board in mid‑to‑late fall following public bidding.
Mike Penwell, the project manager, said the property was a strong fit for clinic operations and offered some expansion potential. The project team flagged items to be addressed during design: roof and gutter replacement, mechanical system adjustments, secure pharmacy/dosing rooms for controlled substances, and DEA approvals for medication‑assisted treatment operations. Penwell estimated a roughly four‑month construction window after bids are awarded and said final occupancy is expected in about a year, contingent on permitting and federal approvals.
Health & Human Services staff explained strong community outreach efforts in Florence, including good‑neighbor agreements and school coordination. Commissioners asked about tribal coordination, funding sources (including state opioid settlement funds), and whether the project could move faster; staff emphasized the need to secure DEA approvals and complete design work to ensure safe, compliant operations.
The board heard program context: staff noted the facility will expand access for Western Lane County residents who currently travel to Eugene for treatment, improving retention and reducing overdose risk. Staff also highlighted that some project costs are supported by state opioid settlement funds and that space in the facility will provide complementary county services such as family and child health visits.
Next steps: complete design development, produce working drawings, publicly bid construction in the fall, and return with a contract recommendation and budget detail once bids are received.
