The University of Wyoming purchased a medical facility adjoining the campus where coronavirus confirmatory testing and the eventual administration of the virus’ vaccine will take place.
The purchase was made possible through the use of federal CARES Act funds.
The acquisition of the Mountain View Medical Park building at 2710 Harney St., for the appraised value of $8.4 million, also consolidates the university’s land ownership on the northeast end of campus and provides space for UW’s WWAMI Medical Education Program and other future health sciences and related program needs.
The purchase includes the 31,255-square-foot, two-story building and 5.12 acres. The current 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.
UW already is putting the facility’s unused space to use for its coronavirus confirmatory testing, with plans to administer the coronavirus vaccine there to members of the UW community when it becomes available.
“We appreciate the governor’s allocation of CARES Act funding to make this purchase possible and address some immediate needs related to the pandemic,” UW President Ed Seidel said. “The acquisition also will provide long-term benefits for the university due to the location, it’s surrounded by UW-owned property, and our need for future space for our 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 said 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,” Jones, who oversees sample collection for UW’s rigorous COVID-19 testing program, said. “It’s a wonderful facility in a great spot for us. We deeply appreciate the governor’s quick action to take advantage of a great opportunity.”
