<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2To1qU_0wC146iF00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2To1qU_0wC146iF00" width="1056" height="655" ><p>Wellstar Health System announced Thursday morning a partnership with the Integral Group to redevelop the Atlanta Medical Center site on Boulevard in Old Fourth Ward.</p><p>The redevelopment plan is in alignment with the land-use plan approved by the Atlanta City Council last month.</p><p>The new project, which includes housing, retail, greenspace, and a health and wellness component, has garnered support from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and various community groups.</p><p>“We look forward to working closely with the City to build on its revitalization efforts and bring our shared vision of a vibrant, healthy addition to the Old Fourth Ward,” said Candice Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System.</p><p>The Integral Group, a national development firm based in Atlanta and founded by Egbert Perry, first gained prominence by transforming Techwood Homes into Centennial Place, a mixed-income, mixed-use community. The company has since been involved in numerous community redevelopment projects across the country.</p><h2>Atlanta Medical Center’s Abrupt Closure</h2><p>In <b>October 2022</b>, Wellstar announced the closure of the Atlanta Medical Center due to financial losses and declining patient volumes. This closure marked the end of its 120-year legacy and left a significant gap in healthcare services, particularly trauma care, in Atlanta’s downtown area.</p><h2>Community Impact</h2><p>AMC’s closure was met with significant concern and protests from the local community, especially because of its central role in providing care to underserved populations and its status as a major employer in the area. Its shutdown left Grady Memorial Hospital as the primary trauma center for Atlanta, increasing pressure on that facility.</p><p>The <b>Atlanta Medical Center (AMC)</b>, located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, had a long and storied history, playing a significant role in the city’s healthcare system for over a century before its closure.</p><h2>Early History</h2><ul><li><b>Founded</b>: The hospital originally opened in 1901 as <b>Tabernacle Infirmary</b>, a small facility linked to the Tabernacle Baptist Church, founded by Reverend Len G. Broughton. The infirmary’s mission was to provide medical care to Atlanta’s underprivileged communities.</li><li><b>Growth and Name Changes</b>: As the facility grew, it became known as <b>Georgia Baptist Hospital</b> in 1913, reflecting its new affiliation with the Georgia Baptist Convention. The hospital continued expanding throughout the 20th century, becoming a major teaching hospital.</li></ul><h2>Mid-20th Century to Modern Era</h2><ul><li><b>Teaching Hospital</b>: Over time, AMC became a full-service teaching hospital with a focus on advanced medical education. It was well-regarded for its residency programs, especially in trauma care, surgery, and internal medicine.</li><li><b>Acquisition by Tenet Healthcare</b>: In 1997, Georgia Baptist Medical Center was sold to Tenet Healthcare, a national for-profit hospital system, and the facility was renamed <b>Atlanta Medical Center</b>. The hospital continued serving a diverse population, particularly in emergency and trauma care, as it held a Level 1 trauma center designation.</li></ul><h2>Facilities and Specialties</h2><ul><li><b>Level 1 Trauma Center</b>: As one of only a few Level 1 trauma centers in the state of Georgia, AMC was a crucial resource for critical emergency care, often treating victims of major accidents, shootings, and other trauma-related incidents.</li><li><b>Centers of Excellence</b>: AMC also developed specialized programs for stroke care, heart surgery, orthopedics, and women’s health, attracting patients from across the region.</li></ul><h2>Change in Ownership and Decline</h2><p>In 2016, AMC was acquired by <b>Wellstar Health System</b>, a non-profit organization with hospitals in Cobb County and other parts of metro Atlanta. However, despite its historical significance and medical importance, the hospital faced financial challenges.</p><p>In announcing its closure in 2022, Wellstar said it had tried to turn a profit with AMC, but nothing worked.</p><p>“For several years, Wellstar has continued to invest in and operate AMC with significant losses to provide more time to partner on a creative, long-term, sustainable solution for the hospital’s future,” Wellstar CEO Candice L. Saunders said at the time. “After an exhaustive search for a solution that would support the healthcare needs of the community, we are disappointed that a sustainable solution at AMC has not emerged.”</p><p>Now, hope for the site has emerged anew.</p><h2>Final Word</h2><p>While WellStar didn’t divulge a timeframe or talk financial numbers about the redevelopment plan for AMC, the news that the site would be turned into something productive was met with cheers.</p><p>Old Fourth Ward is known for its new development. And places to eat. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.</p><h2>Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta</h2></div></body>

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Wellstar To Redevelop Atlanta Medical Center

Wellstar Health System announced Thursday morning a partnership with the Integral Group to redevelop the Atlanta Medical Center site on Boulevard in Old Fourth Ward. The redevelopment plan is in alignment with the land-use plan approved by the Atlanta City Council last month. The new project, which includes housing, retail,...