Dr. William S. Monk Fund helping retain physician space in downtown Huntsville

The Dr. William S. Monk Community Health Care Development Fund is helping maintain office space for physicians in downtown Huntsville open.

At Monday’s Council meeting, Councillor Scott Morrison told his fellow councillors that he had been made aware of empty space left behind by the retirement of physicians in downtown Huntsville at the Pharmasave building at 29 Main Street East.

“It was probably going to hit the open market for lease, which could have resulted in any business going in there, but the landlord was hoping to keep it as doctor space,” said Morrison, who noted that lease hold improvements had been done specifically for doctors. “We talked about some Mat [Municipal Accommodation Funds] but it would’ve take too long.”

Morrison said he was able to connect with the Kate Monk of the Dr. William S. Monk Community Health Care Development Fund who was willing to help bridge funding to find additional physicians to take over the space. Morrison said there is already interest from one physician but the space can handle three.

“The Landlord himself is going to take a significant hit over the next few months. The foundation’s kicking in $5,000 to make the hit small enough that he’ll keep it as clinical space.”

Morrison said the Town’s Economic Development Officer Lauren MacDermid and Dr. Melanie Marr are working diligently to try to attract another doctor or two to take over the space. “So, at the end of the day, what we’re doing is we’re the conduit for the foundation’s money,” said Morrison, who noted that the foundation needs an organization with charitable status to provide the funding.

“So all we’re doing is acting as a conduit and the space will be staying downtown as doctor space,” added Morrison.

Prompted by a question from Councillor Monty Clouthier, Morrison said the physicians had left supplies behind, making it easy for new physicians to take over the space.

Deputy Mayor Dan Armour wanted to know how long the bridge funding would last. Morrison said the landlord has indicated he is willing to hold the space for a significant amount of time.

Morrison reiterated the funds were not coming from the property tax or the Municipal Accommodation Tax but from a very generous donor.

Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock referred to the donation as generous and great news.

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