A new Redmond Evergreen Medical Group Clinic will open in the Bella Bottega Shopping Center the summer of 2011.

The three-story building with approximately 32,345 square feet will be constructed at the former site of the Gray Barn Nursery, near Northeast 90th Street and Redmond-Woodinville Road, with projected occupancy in July 2011. Construction will be by Seattle-based Gary Merlino.

The Redmond Evergreen Medical Group Clinic will combine two Evergreen family practice facilities and the Evergreen urgent care center which are presently located in downtown Redmond as follows: Family Medicine Redmond (now at 8299 161st Ave. NE. Suite 101), Redmond Evergreen Medical Group (currently at 8301 161st Ave. NE, Suite 308) and Redmond Urgent Care (currently at 8301 161st Ave. NE).

The existing space “does not have the best location — no street presence — or there are some spaces with expiring leases,” explained Tom Martin, senior vice-president of Evergreen Healthcare. “As well as creating a stronger identity for Evergreen, there will be efficiencies in consolidating services” at the new group clinic, said Martin.

For example, diagnostic imaging equipment will already be on-site, so patients won’t have to go to another location for such services. One “lab draw” station, shared resources and staff and a shared phone center will help to streamline patient care in a more cost-effective fashion, Martin added.

At the time of opening, Martin anticipates that the new clinic will be staffed with nine physicians and more may be added later. Other future functions at the new clinic might include community health education classes.

In terms of “urgent care” services, Martin said examples of appropriate use would include sports injuries, or an ear ache or flu symptoms, especially when occurring on evenings or weekends. These would not be acute medical issues requiring immediate attention but Redmond patients could receive examinations in a more convenient and less expensive setting than going to the emergency room at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, he noted.

At the new Redmond Evergreen Medical Group Clinic, 38 parking spots will be located under the building and shared parking will be available in the Bella Bottega lot which is typically not full on weekdays, said Martin.

To learn more about Evergreen’s family medicine and urgent care providers, visit www.evergreenhealthcare.org.