#United States #healthcare #Hammes #Altoona #River Prairie

Hammes Unveils River Prairie Surgery Center

On October 8, 2025, Hammes, a prominent national firm specializing in real estate consulting and development, proudly hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly constructed River Prairie Surgery Center. This facility is located in Altoona, Wisconsin, and is set to significantly improve healthcare access for local residents. The event welcomed employees, healthcare partners, and local officials, marking the official opening of this essential medical center.

Facility Overview

The River Prairie Surgery Center spans an impressive 13,000 square feet and is equipped with two operating rooms and three procedure rooms. It has been established on the first floor of a previously existing two-story medical office building, which Hammes acquired at the end of 2024. Originally constructed in 2019 as an urgent care and specialty clinic, the facility unfortunately closed its doors last year, creating a pressing need for healthcare services in the area.

In collaboration with OakLeaf Surgical Hospital, Hammes has undertaken an extensive renovation and expansion project, transforming the site into a comprehensive 28,000-square-foot medical facility. This new center will provide a wide array of outpatient surgical and specialty healthcare services, filling the void left in the community's healthcare landscape.

Community Impact

Alex Stipetich, the Interim Administrator of River Prairie Surgery Center, emphasized the facility's significance, stating, "OakLeaf Surgical Hospital administration and physician partners recognized the opportunity to expand outpatient surgical care here in Altoona, at a time of need. This center is not just a new building; it's a long-term investment in the health of this community. It signifies sustainability, growth, and innovation when many areas are losing essential services. Our objective is to ensure that the Chippewa Valley has the resources required for its future healthcare needs."

The dedication to enhancing local healthcare continues to resonate throughout the community, underscoring the importance of accessible medical facilities. This launch signifies a step forward in making quality healthcare more reachable for Altoona residents.

Collaboration and Support

Justin Shea, a principal at Hammes Partners, echoed the company's commitment to the region, stating, "We are proud of our investment in the region and of the collaboration between Hammes, OakLeaf Surgical Hospital, Surgery Partners, Miron Construction, River Valley Architects, and all project partners that made this facility possible." This collaborative spirit highlights the unity among various stakeholders in realizing a common goal: to improve healthcare services in the community.

Commitment to Quality Care

The River Prairie Surgery Center operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of OakLeaf Surgical Hospital, which boasts a prestigious CMS 5-Star rating for patient satisfaction. OakLeaf is a physician-owned facility, partnering with Surgery Partners to merge local physician insights with national management expertise. The center’s commitment to high-quality care reflects the standards of compassion and excellence that OakLeaf Surgical Hospital is recognized for.

About Hammes

Founded in 1991, Hammes specializes in real estate solutions with a focus on healthcare. With a strong track record of success, Hammes has been named as one of the nation’s top healthcare developers for 27 consecutive years. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company operates through a network of regional offices across the United States, building on its extensive experience in healthcare strategy and real estate management. More information about their services can be found at www.hammes.com.

The opening of the River Prairie Surgery Center represents a positive shift in the landscape of healthcare in the Altoona region, promising better access to essential medical services for the local population.