The city of Staunton bet $15 million on the Western State Hospital project, and is still confident that was a wise investment.
More than 600 people work at the state run mental hospital, and the city wanted to ensure those jobs stayed in Staunton. And when the facility moves out of its current campus, the city also has a chance to turn that property into a major money maker.
When construction is complete in the summer of next year, the new Western State will be filled with doctors, therapists and support staff.
"All of these people live right here in our community. These are important and well-paying jobs," said councilman Bruce Elder. "But also it's a source of great pride for us."
The hospital has been part of Staunton's landscape for nearly 200 years, first along Greenville Avenue, and now near Richmond Road. City council lobbied hard to have the third campus built close by. That's happening right now on North Frontier Drive.
"The more modern the hospital, then the longer life it has," explained economic development director Bill Hamilton. "So the more sustainability, so the more secure the jobs are."
Over its nearly three-year construction, this project is expected to bring $156 million in spending to the Staunton-Waynesboro-Augusta region.
"This job had more economic impact because it's bringing business in at a time when it's really needed," Hamilton said.
Once the current Western State campus is vacated, it becomes a massive redevelopment project near the junction of Interstates 81 and 64. The city has been marketing the 295 acres for a mix of shopping, dining and hotels; or perhaps a satellite college campus; or even high-tech industry. There is no shortage of grand ideas.
"I would like it to be a showcase for every new technology," said Elder. "I'd like it to be a destination to show what this country is capable of - right here in Virginia."
Staunton's complex deal requires a $15 million payment to the state, and the city is working on a financing deal that avoids a local tax increase. It's also actively marketing the current Western State property, under the name "Staunton Gateway."
