Construction work is progressing in Fond du Lac at the site of a new health campus, which includes sustainable energy system technology. The combined health system of Froedtert ThedaCare Health, Inc., broke ground on the health campus in February 2024. The campus aims to expand convenient access to care for those living in Northeast and Central Wisconsin.
The campus at 755 W. Johnson St. complements community development underway and will be conveniently located in a retail district near I-41.
“The Fond du Lac campus is proceeding nicely, and we are excited to see the facility beginning to take shape,” said Jenny Nikolai, vice president of new Community Hospitals in Fond du Lac and Oshkosh. “Our goal for this campus is to enhance access to local care for those living in the area, and we look forward to opening this campus in the Fond du Lac community in the near future.”
Since the groundbreaking, construction partners, including Hplex Solutions as the owner representative; HGA as the architect and engineer; Miron Construction Co., Inc. as the construction manager; and the Sigma Group as the civil engineer and landscape architect, have been actively working at the site to develop the campus for the people of the region.
“Demand for access to care continues to grow in Fond du Lac, where city and county populations have steadily increased over the past decade,” said Nikolai. “It is important we continue to meet the needs of our patients and communities to help ensure they receive convenient access to the care they expect and deserve to continue living their best lives.”
Utilizing Sustainable Energy Resources
One unique aspect of the hospital campus is the use of geothermal energy. Fifty geothermal bores 500 ft. deep will be part of a mechanical system to manage the temperature in the facility.
Geothermal heat pumps use the earth’s natural constant temperature to heat and cool buildings. The heat pumps transfer heat from the ground (or water) into buildings during the winter and reverse the process in the summer. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective systems for heating and cooling buildings. Many building types, including homes, office buildings, schools, and hospitals, can use geothermal heat pumps.
The campus in Fond du Lac will be the first building in the combined organization to use the geothermal technology.
HGA’s geothermal design engineer, Andy DeRocher, noted there are many benefits to geothermal systems, including being a sustainable energy source.
“Geothermal technology helps the environment because it is an alternative to natural gas and results in fewer carbon emissions being released into the atmosphere,” said DeRocher. “The geothermal technology is also energy efficient and cost effective.”
Geothermal energy is an option for hospitals and clinics, particularly ones designed like the Fond du Lac campus. The modern, community-centered hospital will offer easy, around-the-clock access to emergency and inpatient care in an inviting, highly efficient setting, close to home.
The geothermal system will not be visibly noticeable to community members.
“Most of the system is underground,” DeRocher explained. “People see less equipment outside on the ground or on the roof, as with traditional heating and cooling systems.”
While community members may not notice the geothermal system, Nikolai hopes it is an example of Froedtert ThedaCare Health, Inc.’s, commitment to this region, as we create a new health campus that’s modern, convenient and sustainable.
“When the community learns about the benefits of these systems, we hope it peaks engagement and interest,” she said. “We hope they are inspired about what we’re bringing to the community and want to help spread that positive effect to our environment.”
According to HGA, installing a geothermal system does not add time to a construction process. Crews are currently completing the final pieces of the geothermal system in Fond du Lac.
Health Campus of the Future
The Fond du Lac campus is expected to be approximately 25,000 sq. ft., with an estimated $35M investment. The hospital will have emergency care, inpatient beds, and 24/7 coverage with board-certified emergency physicians. For patients requiring additional care, observation and tests, plans call for 24/7 Computed Tomography (CT) scans, x-ray and ultrasound with outpatient access. It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
More services may be added over time based on community need. The Fond du Lac health campus is expected to be complete in 2025. In addition to the health campus in Fond du Lac, Froedtert ThedaCare Health, Inc., is also creating a health campus in Oshkosh, which is expected to be complete in 2025.
