HARRISONBURG—Rockingham Memorial Hospital officials announced today that they have selected a site for construction of the community’s new hospital and health campus.

The 254-acre site is located just east of Harrisonburg at the northeast corner of Port Republic and Reservoir roads. It is bounded by Reservoir Road to the west, Boyers Road to the east and Port Republic Road to the south.


"Of the three sites we have had under serious consideration for the past several months, we chose this one because it will provide us with the best opportunity to meet the healthcare needs of this community for a second century of service," said Hospital President T. Carter Melton, Jr.


"This site provides the space to enable RMH to continue providing high-quality care and service as well as the latest technology for the next century," he continued. “It will allow us to create a true destination for health, wellness and healing.”


The site is accessible from numerous roadways, including those that bound it, which connect to Rt. 33, and Stone Spring and Ridgedale roads to the south. The size of the site will allow for a generous natural buffer between the hospital and the adjacent neighborhoods while providing ample space for parking and future expansion. “We look forward to creating a campus that reflects and exists in harmony with the beautiful surroundings,” he said.


The property is owned by Triple H Farms and the Harman Family Limited Partnership. The price of the property is $7.1 million.


Melton noted that the site has undergone a comprehensive civil engineering evaluation by a consultant with extensive experience in hospital site studies. The evaluation included a preliminary environmental assessment to ensure that the site is suitable for use as a hospital campus as well as a utilities study to confirm availability of water, sewer and electrical services.


The hospital anticipates applying for a rezoning application in early 2005, Melton said.


He noted that evaluation of architectural firms is underway. “We hope to select an architect for the project in the next few months,” he said.


Construction on the new facility is scheduled to begin in about three years.