Kaiser Permanente looks to bring additional services to Folsom with new proposal
Folsom residents could soon have more medical care options if Kaiser Permanente expands its campus near the Palladio.
When Kaiser first developed the Palladio site, it planned to build the campus in phases. The first phase was completed in the mid-2000s and is the existing facility. The proposed addition would be phase two, according to a presentation by Jessica Brandt, the city’s principal planner.
Kaiser’s latest proposal includes more than 255,000 square feet of new space. The project calls for a 183,400-square-foot, four-story medical office building, according to a Wednesday night presentation to the Folsom Planning Commission. It also would expand the existing ambulatory surgery facility at 285 Palladio Parkway to nearly 73,000 square feet from its current 45,850 square feet.
The project could also bring about $5.5 million in transportation fees and abatements, according to Kaiser’s presentation. The money could help fund eligible local initiatives, such as traffic improvements on East Bidwell Street.
With the new facilities, Kaiser plans to expand its primary care services for Folsom residents, according to its presentation. Services would include 24-hour urgent care, imaging, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, a pharmacy and laboratory services. Physician-in-chief Richard Florio, MD, said many Kaiser patients living in Folsom currently travel to Roseville for treatment.
“I like the location for its access,” Commissioner Eileen Reynolds said.
The proposal also includes beautification efforts, including outdoor seating, respite areas, sidewalks and bike lane improvements.
With the new addition, Brandt said about 10 acres of the site would remain undeveloped. Future plans for that section are unclear. Brandt said low-income housing is one possibility, while Florio said Kaiser may consider future projects. He said it is too early to determine what those projects might be or when they could move forward.
“We don’t know about a hospital, but that doesn’t mean we’re not committed to Folsom,” Florio said.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved the proposal Wednesday night. Kaiser also operates a facility at 2155 Iron Point Road, where it offers services including a pharmacy.
