The health system evacuated the clinic Dec. 29 after a beam in the building failed. Staffers heard a loud crack and saw a wall sagging about 2 inches, according to the Grand Forks Herald. About 100 patients and 100 staff members were inside during the event. No one was injured.
“With safety in mind, we cannot in good conscience put patients and staff in that building,” said Altru Health CEO Dave Molmen at a press conference at the hospital Thursday, according to the report.
The health system said it will replace the entire 110,000-square-foot Main Clinic, which could take two years and cost tens of millions of dollars. A plan to stabilize the current building was also discussed, according to the report. That process is expected to take about six months.
Altru Main Clinic was built between 1974 and 1976 by Harold J. Westin & Associates of St. Paul. Ken Vein, administrative director of Altru Health System, said the building was probably not up to code when it was first built. Altru officials did not indicate Thursday whether they intend to file a lawsuit against Harold J. Westin & Associates.
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