LAS VEGAS – Even before the pandemic and accompanying public health crisis, there was a perception that health care was recession-proof and there would always be demand for medical office space, no matter what was happening to the rest of the economy.
While that may not hold true everywhere, the medical office sector in Southern Nevada has more than weathered the pandemic. In fact, the wave of urgent care facilities and micro hospitals constructed here during the last few years has continued into 2021.
One reason for this trend is that Nevada’s population continues to age, with 13% of the state’s population now over the age of 65 and the number of Nevadans 85 and older increasing by 78% over the last decade. These demographics contribute to increased demand for health care locally and nationally. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, between 2020 and 2027, health care spending is projected to increase by $1.9 trillion in the U.S. alone.
Michael Nigro, president of Nigro Construction, said his firm is seeing more health care providers interested in upgrading their space and recognizing the economic and other benefits of owning their own facilities.
“There are significant tax advantages in owning your own building,” Nigro said. “The mortgages are often less than or comparable to renting a space, and the ability to build a facility suited to their specialty is a huge benefit to physicians.”
According to Nigro, more doctors and medical groups are joining together to build facilities that range anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet. Due to the cost savings and increased control, more surgeons and doctors want to step out of the hospital setting and create a better patient experience in their own “build-to-suit” facilities.
Nigro Construction is among the few contractors in Southern Nevada equipped to meet these needs, with insight into the regulations and requirements involved in building such facilities. In 2020 alone, Nigro completed nearly 50,000 square feet of local medical projects.
Last year, Nigro Construction completed several Southern Nevada medical facilities, including the 10,378-square-foot Advanced Orthopedics Physical Therapy Center; the 6,000-square-foot Center for Wellness and Pain Care; the 1,285-square-foot Desert Cardiovascular facility; the 13,000-square-foot Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Surgery; the 2,766-square-foot Matt Smith Physical Therapy office at Rainbow Commons; the 11,688-squre-foot Surgeon Surgery Center; and the 3,866-square-foot Vera Whole Health.
Health care providers say the proper design and construction of these facilities helps them provide a better experience for their patients.
“We’ve found that many of our clients are looking to design with upgraded efficiencies and from a design perspective,” Nigro explained. “For example, it’s not necessary to build file rooms anymore because of the new technology. It allows for better patient flow.”
With the regulations related to building and operating medical projects being stringent and often complex, Nigro said his firm has created a team that is able to complete a surgery center and clinic with minimal corrections during inspections.
About Nigro Construction
Family-owned and operated, Nigro Construction has built quality retail, commercial, hospitality, specialty, and medical properties for more than 40 years in the Las Vegas Valley. Established by Edward M. Nigro in 1979, the firm is a proven success as a second-generation company dedicated to providing quality and innovation in construction. Having grown up in the building industry, learning the business hands-on from their father, Todd Nigro and Michael Nigro, together with Charles Hansen, bring their expertise to the forefront as principals of the firm. These industry leaders have nearly 100 years of combined expertise as they continue the legacy of commitment to architecturally advanced design standards and the superior customer service upon which the company was founded. Visit nigroconstruction.com for more information.
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