Artist's rendering

A groundbreaking for the Governors Medical Tower, a 4-story, 124,500 state-of-the-art medical facility that will be the site for physician practices including the Spine and Neurosurgery Center, the Digestive Disease Center and Tennessee Valley Pain Consultants, was recently held.

The 124,500 square foot tower, on the corner of Governors Drive and Gallatin Street, will be the future site physician practices including The Spine and Neurosurgery Center (Drs. Rhett Murray, Joel Pickett, John Johnson, Jason Banks and Cheng Tao), Digestive Disease Center (Drs. Prasad Vankineni and Suresh Karne) and Tennessee Valley Pain Consultants (Drs. Ronald Collins, Morris Scherlis, Roddie Gantt and John Roberts).

"We are expanding to meet the needs of our patients with a more convenient location and access to services," Neurospine surgeon Dr. Joel Pickett said. "With the relocation of our clinic, patients can access the latest diagnostic testing equipment, medical care and outpatient surgery all in one location."

Huntsville Hospital Outpatient Surgery and Center for Pain Management will also be located in the tower. The public and physicians will have access to the hospital via pedestrian skywalk located on the second floor. A five and a half story attached parking deck will provide convenient entry for patients with 480 parking spaces.

Governors Medical Tower is located in Huntsville's Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 4. TIF funds from the property will be designated for the rebuilding of Lee High School, renovation of Butler High School, police and fire facilities, as well as the Huntsville Museum of Art and the Von Braun Center.

Birmingham based INKANA Healthcare Development will oversee construction of the tower, which will coincide with the Governors Drive expansion project. Governors Medical Tower estimated length of construction is 16-18 months.