Scaled-down wellness center clears another hurdle in Cloverdale

After years of planning and community anticipation, Cloverdale’s Alexander Valley Healthcare Wellness Center is advancing with a redesigned, more sustainable approach. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the modified conditional use permit and design review on August 5 for the project at 321 S. Cloverdale Boulevard.

The project has been significantly scaled down from the original 2022 concept. Instead of a three-story, 47,000-square-foot building, the new design features two stories and 27,000 square feet while maintaining all original services: primary care, dental, behavioral health, urgent care, wellness programming, and administrative offices.

The new structure will use mass timber construction from sustainably grown Douglas fir, creating visible wood elements throughout. The design prioritizes environmental benefits and therapeutic qualities through natural materials.

Beyond medical services, the facility will serve the broader community with an open lab, vaccine clinic, pharmacy, and Saturday urgent care for all residents. CEO Debbie Howell emphasized the building’s community-focused mission.

Site amenities include a meditation garden, shaded seating, a small orchard, solar parking structures, EV chargers, and drought-tolerant landscaping. The oversized lot accommodates future expansion and community partnerships like farmers markets.

Traffic and pedestrian safety near Washington School emerged as key concerns, particularly the missing stop sign at a student crosswalk where near-collisions have occurred. Commissioners requested safety improvements before the new street connection opens.

The recommendation advances to City Council, which will consider a development agreement for road improvements. AVH is preparing building permit applications, with construction potentially completing within two years.