Driven by a commitment to the Oshkosh and surrounding communities, Froedtert ThedaCare is announcing a new development to support Gold Cross Ambulance Service, meeting the growing demand for emergency care and response in the region.
Froedtert ThedaCare proudly welcomed first patients at ThedaCare Medical Center-Oshkosh in January 2026, expanding access to care for the people of this community. Since that time, ThedaCare began to explore opportunities to develop property near ThedaCare Medical Center-Oshkosh, 250 W. 6th Avenue. The intended use of the property was to provide a new, permanent emergency medical service station and living space for Gold Cross in Oshkosh.
“In an emergency, minutes matter,” said Jenny Nikolai, Vice President of ThedaCare Medical Centers-Fond du Lac and Oshkosh. “That’s why having a comprehensive health care system and an advanced emergency department is more than a convenience – it’s a lifeline for a community. It means patients and families have access to seamless care from the moment they arrive through recovery. We hope it brings peace of mind knowing that expert care is close to home.”
After research and input from community members, it was determined the new emergency medical service station would be located at 356 W. 6th Ave. Oshkosh. The building is a former service/filling station. It also served as an office and home base for contractors, as well as a residence. The space is being converted by ThedaCare to expand access and meet the needs of the community. This location will allow Gold Cross to better serve communities in Oshkosh, Berlin and Fond du Lac. The space will include: a single ambulance bay, work areas, medical supply storage, two sleeping rooms and a kitchen area.
“Choosing to restore this historic building reflects a deeper commitment to our community’s identity,” said Nikolai. “By investing in its restoration, we’re preserving a sense of familiarity while giving it new purpose for generations to come. Revitalizing a space people already know and value strengthens the fabric of our community.”
Thanks to a generous donor to the ThedaCare Family of Foundations, Bergstrom Automotive Oshkosh dealerships, crews began work at the site, launching the project in early March.
“Our teams at Bergstrom Automotive of Oshkosh, are deeply honored to help transform this historic building – a beloved community landmark – into a state-of-the-art ambulance headquarters,” said John Bergstrom, Executive Chairman of Bergstrom Automotive and Foundation-Neenah Board Member. “We understand the life-saving importance of rapid emergency response, and we are proud to play a role in strengthening Oshkosh’s emergency services. Our dedication is rooted in making Oshkosh a safer, healthier community for all.”
Meeting a Growing Demand
Gold Cross Ambulance Service is a regional emergency service provider in northeast Wisconsin, co-owned by ThedaCare and Ascension Wisconsin. Gold Cross operates 21 ambulances across a 1,200-square-mile area, collaborating with their owner hospital systems on emergency care, community paramedicine and patient transfers for improved care coordination.
According to Gold Cross, demand in the Oshkosh area and surrounding communities continues to grow. This has led to changes for Gold Cross and their locations across the region. By adding an ambulance station in Oshkosh, Gold Cross can continue to respond to emergencies and hospital transfers.
In 2025, Gold Cross moved to a temporary location in Oshkosh, on the west side of the city, signing a one-year lease for the location.
Research shows that nearly 73% of Oshkosh residents live east of Interstate 41, while most of the current health care services are located west of I-41, meaning east-side residents are more than 15 minutes away from a hospital or emergency room. This can also impact ambulance response times.
The emergency medical service station is expected to be complete in September 2026.
