AMR to hold grand opening for new facility at Medical Mall

JACKSON — American Medical Response (AMR) and its landlord, the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation (JMMF), will host a grand opening of AMR’s new $2.5 million, 25,000-square-foot multi-county headquarters at 600 Melvin Bender Drive in Jackson today.

Ed Powers, AMR’s general manager, said, “We are delighted that JMMF has erected this new building to our specifications and has leased it to us for several years. Staying in the medical mall area is part of AMR’s commitment to contribute to growth in the metro area. We enjoy our relationship with JMMF and share the Foundation’s vision.”

Powers said the new building has features that will help enhance AMR’s efficiency and capabilities.

“Our ambulances can now drive through our re-stocking area, which speeds up returning each vehicle to service,” he said. “We have also upgraded our cable and wiring to better handle our heavy telecom needs. Our vehicle maintenance shop has more bays than the old shop, which will help keep our fleet in even better condition. Furthermore, a classroom with sliding walls now enables us to host two or three classes or other meetings at the same time.

“Our new headquarters will be AMR’s springboard to expand our service area, launch new lines of business and create jobs.”

AMR’s new site is on four acres across the street from the operation’s previous location.

Primus Wheeler, JMMF executive director, said, “Our new lease with AMR secures a long-term anchor along the northern portion of the medical mall district. We believe AMR’s new facility will contribute to community revitalization by spurring the expansion of other existing businesses and helping attract new industries to the area.”

AMR’s Jackson-based operation became a JMMF tenant in 1997 when the company served two counties. Since then, AMR has added three more counties to its service area.

Wheeler said constructing the AMR facility cost approximately $2.5 million.  Traditional bank financing is the major source of funding.  However, the Mississippi Development Authority made GO ZONE bonds available for the development, which the Foundation also pursued.

The AMR project is one of several JMMF development initiatives for the area.  A Sav-a-Lot grocery store on the corner of Bailey Avenue and Woodrow Wilson Avenue will open shortly. The area has lacked a grocery store for several years. In July 2010, JMMF broke ground for a housing development of 15 homes.