First Project Planned For Foley Medical Overlay District

A 12-acre healthcare facility on Fern Avenue is the first project planned for Foley’s new Medical Overlay District. The council voted in 2023 to create the district in the area near the South Baldwin Regional Medical Center (SBRMC). The district is intended to encourage the development of medical services in the area as the community’s population increases. The SBRMC is also undergoing a $250-million expansion, which will increase its capacity to 140 beds. Wayne Dyess, City of Foley executive director of infrastructure and development, said the Fern Avenue project and development of the district are suited to the expansion of the hospital. The proposed medical park is expected to bring medical services the city doesn’t currently have. Medical providers have already expressed interest in opening offices at the site. A Design Alabama study for Foley recommended the creation of a hospital district in north Foley to encourage the development of medical services in that area. Uses intended for the district include hospitals, medical clinics, pharmaceutical businesses and medical technology research. Other related uses may be located within the hospital or clinic buildings or as independent uses within the district.