Outdoor Work on JCH&L Construction Project Begins
Outdoor work has begun on the Jefferson Community Health & Life construction project. The project includes a state-of-the-art therapy department and renovation of the fitness center pool and locker rooms.
Demolition of the fitness center pool and locker rooms began in early August, and is moving along well, said Judd Stewart, facilities director at JCH&L. Interior work also started in August on three Gardenside rooms which required work in order to prepare for the project. Outside work, including removing the siding from a portion of the fitness center and dirt work at the construction location has recently started.
On Thursday, Sept. 10, and Friday, Sept 11, JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center and JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services adult therapy area will be closed because of necessary electrical updates. The pediatric therapy area will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 10, but open on Friday, Sept. 11. Anyone with questions can contact the fitness center at 402-729-6139 or Sports Medicine and Rehab Services at 402-729-6840.
The renovation and expansion project is estimated at $5.5 million and includes a 6,380-square-foot addition for therapy services in addition to the fitness center updates. The project will also include removing and replacing the stucco finish from the exterior of the fitness center and replacing it with durable metal siding. Project completion is expected in late summer 2027.
JCH&L encourages any patients who need assistance from the parking lot to the building to call the main JCH&L line at 402-729-3351, or the department they need to access. Three new angled parking spaces west of the clinic now have signage designating the spaces for patients who need extra assistance. The JCH&L number is listed in case they need to call for help.
“We recognize that the construction project has affected parking, and we apologize for the inconvenience. We are ready and willing to help in any way we can,” said Lana Likens, director of public relations.
JCH&L reminds patients and customers that for safety reasons there is no entrance for the public inside the construction fence, which is a work zone and hard hat area. Gardenside should be accessed either through the JCH&L main entrance (from H Street) or the Cedarwood main entrance (from 22nd Street).
Outdoor work has begun on the JCH&L project.
Pool and locker room work continue on the Burkley Fitness Center renovation project.
JCH&L Therapy Addition Scheduled to Begin in May
To meet the increasing demand for services, Jefferson Community Health & Life is breaking ground this May on an expansive renovation and expansion project estimated at $4.8 million. The project highlights a state-of-the-art therapy department and renovation of the fitness center pool and locker rooms. The project is expected to take just more than a year.
“At Jefferson Community Health & Life, our mission has always been to grow alongside our community,” said Holly Wolff, JCH&L CEO.
The 6,380-square-foot addition marks a new chapter of clinical excellence and patient convenience with direct front door access.
“This isn’t just a facelift, it’s a transformation,” said Amy Martin, JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Director. “For the first time in our history, we are introducing a dedicated space specifically designed for athletes and sports rehab. We’ve done great work in our current space, but it’s time to grow. This expansion gives us the specialized space for patients at every stage of their recovery.”
The new area will include an entrance for patients to access therapy services directly. It also includes additional private treatment rooms to enhance patient privacy and large adult and pediatric gym areas.
“We’ve dreamed of having a space that grows with our patients, and this new addition makes that a reality. Having a private, direct entrance into the therapy area is a game-changer for patient experience; it makes coming in for treatment easier and more welcoming,” Martin said. “We are thrilled to finally have the room and the specialized resources to help our community across all ages reach their health and fitness goals.”
The department’s 6 physical therapists, 2 occupational therapists, 2 speech therapists, 2 therapy assistants and 4 therapy aides/receptionists care for outpatients, pediatrics, inpatients, skilled nursing and home health patients.
“Our therapists offer a wide range of therapy, and we are excited to build space that will best meet the needs of our patients for the therapy they need,” Wolff said.
Besides the therapy addition, the project includes renovation of the JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center locker rooms and repairs to the pool area. The locker rooms are original to the facility when it was built in 1996, and are in need of updating. Locker rooms will get new non-slip flooring, new lockers and benches, new plumbing and new HVAC systems. The men’s locker room will have 4 private showers, replacing the current communal shower. The women’s locker room will have an additional bathroom stall added. The pool area will also receive renovation, with a new non-slip pool deck, resurfacing of the pool, and a new ceiling. The project will also include removing and replacing the stucco finish from the exterior of the fitness center and replacing it with durable metal siding.
The architectural firm working on this project is Davis Design of Lincoln and general contractor will be Beckenhauer Construction. JCH&L has worked with both firms for past projects. JCH&L staff member Rick Johnson will serve as project manager.
The JCH&L board approved moving forward with the project last fall, and staff have been working with Davis Design to develop an addition that would meet the needs of the therapy department for the best patient care and service. They have also been working to structure the project to minimize service disruptions during construction.
“Thank you in advance to our patients and customers for their understanding and patience during the construction period. We will try to keep inconveniences to a minimum, but know there will be some,” Wolff said. “We will work to keep the community informed about changes that may affect them.”
This project will also pave the way for additional improvements in the future, including more space for JCH&L Behavioral Health and the JCH&L Cafeteria.
Jefferson Community Health & Life operates a 17-bed, acute-care Critical Access Hospital in Fairbury, Neb., offering inpatient and outpatient services, including surgery, therapy, screenings, and emergency services. Jefferson Community Health & Life offers additional health and life services, including Fairbury Clinic (primary and family care), Burkley Fitness Center, Gardenside (long-term care), and Home Health services. In addition, Jefferson Community Health & Life supports numerous education programs and support groups. JCH&L has been named a Top Workplace for Healthcare.
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