While the weather outside was frightful, a boisterous crowd of more than 100 guests gathered for a warm and welcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony in the lobby of the new 3-story WakeMed facility on November 14. Complemented by an array of fine foods and drinks, the camaraderie among many of Wake Forest's leading residents and officials was evident, making the occasion both memorable and celebratory.
Located just east of Grove 98 at 1030 Siena Drive, the state-of-the-art, 82,000-square-foot WakeMed facility is situated on a 14-acre site First acquired in late 2019, the $56 million project was brought to fruition by general contractor Brasfield & Gorrie, who broke ground in November 2022 and completed construction within two years.
The facility is home to a wide range of physician practices, offering comprehensive medical services to the community. These include general surgery, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology, an outpatient lab, orthopedics, and physical therapy, adult and pediatric primary care, and adult and pediatric urology.
"This new facility reflects the spirit of progress and the dedication of our community to ensure both our residents and neighboring communities have access to high-quality healthcare services right here at home," said Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership as he welcomed the crowd before the ribbon cutting.
"Healthcare is not only about healing — it’s about strengthening the fabric of a community," Cannon continued. "This new facility represents a major investment by WakeMed in the well-being of our town and the broader region, and the economic impact it will have on Wake Forest should not be understated."
Cannon went on to say that facilities like the one WakeMed is opening in Wake Forest are economic engines, driving growth far beyond their walls.
“Because of WakeMed’s investment, this center will employ hundreds of professionals, ranging from physicians and nurses to allied health professionals, support staff, and administrative workers. It will generate millions of dollars in annual wages, providing stable, well-paying jobs that will benefit not just those working here but also their families and our local businesses."
Studies show that for every job created in facilities like this one, an estimated 1.5 to 2.5 additional positions will be supported in the community through industries such as retail, restaurants, and services that provide for the needs of healthcare workers and patients alike. WakeMed alone employs nearly 600 people who live in the Wake Forest area.
Additionally, industry analyses indicate that 60-80% of healthcare workers’ salaries are cycled back into the community on housing, goods, services, and more. For Wake Forest, this means another steady flow of spending, boosting everything from local businesses to the housing market.
"The employees here will also reinvest a significant portion of their incomes locally," Cannon concluded.
WakeMed’s President and CEO Donald Gintzig thanked guests for their support of WakeMed’s growth into the Wake Forest community, along with members of the Town of Wake Forest, including Mayor Vivan Jones and Town Manager Kip Padgett, along with the Chamber of Commerce for their support.
"WakeMed has made a significant investment in northern Wake County," Gintzig said. "In addition to this new medical park, we have added a MyCare 365 location in Wake Forest and our North Hospital, just a few minutes down the road, is growing rapidly in capability and capacity to keep up with the demands of the community."
Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed is a not-for-profit healthcare system founded and based in Raleigh. WakeMed’s team includes more than 11,400 employees, 1,200 volunteers, and 1,300 affiliated physicians. Collectively, it’s one of the Triangle’s largest private employers.
With its proximity to US Highway 1 and direct access from Highway 98 Bypass, WakeMed’s choice to build on this property came down to the No. 1 word in real estate: location.
The now-completed Wake Forest Medical Park is one of four construction projects WakeMed is undertaking. Other new buildings are being constructed in Morrisville and Wendell, and an office complex identical to the Wake Forest facility is now being developed in Fuquay-Varina off US Highway 401. Upon completion, this essential service provider will have nearly 4 million square feet under roof.
Dr. Seth Brody, WakeMed's Executive Vice President and Chief Physician Executive, commented on the quality of care and life the Wake Forest project represents: "This facility offers patients convenient access to a team of specialists who provide comprehensive care and caring for which WakeMed is known," he said. “Our goal is to keep people closer to home when and where they need us. We look forward to bringing exceptional care and services that will benefit patients and families for years to come here in Wake Forest.”
