Work will begin on the Brooks-TLC site on Jan. 12.

More progress is being reported by Kaleida Health regarding a new Brooks-TLC facility that will be located in Fredonia.

On Friday, Kaleida reported it had received contingent approval for its northern Chautauqua hospital certificate of need. According to Jackie Bett, Kaleida director of communications, that process allows Kaleida the ability to start early site and project enabling work at 412 E. Main St. Fencing, trailer excavation and grading with utility trenching can take place on Jan. 12. Early start approval, however, excludes any construction that would include work with the foundation or steel.

According to documents filed with the state Health Department, the $223 million project is expected to incorporate medical office space with outpatient services in a 133,000-square-foot facility that will include 15 medical and surgical beds with an additional five observation beds.

Additionally, the Emergency Department capacity will increase from nine bays to 16 and include designated trauma, bariatric and sexual assault services.

Don Boyd, president and chief executive officer of Kaleida Health, hailed the work and effort in an interview in November. “What we’re most proud of is this (project) is a manifestation of our mission, which is to advance the health of our community,” he said. “It’s the fulfilling of a commitment that we make every day to our community … and this community deserves this.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul, who Kaleida praised for her work in making the new location a reality, announced $74 million in funding for the project in June 2024 at a press conference and community celebration in the Williams Center at the State University of New York at Fredonia. Additional funding, which could come from the state, Kaleida and philanthropy, remain in the works.

Officials are targeting construction to begin in early this year with completion expected in the fall of 2028.