Health care organizations have taken advantage of a glut of retail space and low leasing rates in the aftermath of the recession. Some examples:
• Allina Health opened an Aspen clinic in a former Old Country Buffet in St. Paul's Highland Park neighborhood in May and a former Wickes Furniture in Maple Grove in 2008; currently building a clinic with dermatology and urology services at St. Paul's Bandana Square to complement an existing Sister Kenny Rehabilitation site.
• Emergency Physicians Professional Association (EPPA) plans to open a second Urgency Room in vacant retail space in Eagan in October; moved into former Blockbuster in Woodbury in 2011.
• HealthEast Care System will open a spine clinic in a former Maplewood Gander Mountain later this month; opened a primary clinic at a former Borders bookstore in St. Paul in June and in an empty EQ-life store in 2009.
• HealthPartners opened clinics in vacant retail spaces in Eagan last year and Cottage Grove in 2010.
• Hennepin County Medical Center opened a neighborhood clinic at a former Snyders Drug store in St. Anthony last October, allowing it to retain an on-site pharmacy and drive-up window; operates clinics in Wal-Mart stores in Bloomington and Eden Prairie.
• Mayo Clinic has announced plans to open a $220 million facility in the Mall of America's Phase II expansion, which has yet to break ground; operates a Healthy Living store with wellness assessments and transplant consultation.
• North Memorial recently purchased a retail site off Hwy. 55 in Plymouth for a large clinic; will open a primary care clinic at Victory Village in Blaine.
