More health services for local college students will now be available near campus, at 332 North Henry St.
City Council voted unanimously Thursday to approve an application for a special use permit by William & Mary that would allow the university to expand its health services to the building.
“It’s an appropriate use of the building and it’s also another reason for students to be in the downtown area and explore and see what else is offered there — get them off campus,” Councilwoman Barbara Ramsey said.
The William & Mary Real Estate Foundation announced in August it was in the process of buying the building and planned to contract with a third-party provider to operate the medical office.
The building is a 23,332-square-foot space — already outfitted as a medical facility — and is within walking distance of campus.
The transaction is expected to close this month and was waiting on the approved of the special use permit.
In its application, the foundation said the school needs more room for health services because the department has evolved and grown over time.
The expansion mirrors what universities are doing across the country. Many universities are expanding services to assist students with mental health issues, sexual assault, alcohol and substance abuse.
Mayor Paul Freiling asked Sean Hughes, executive director of the William & Mary Real Estate Foundation, whether transportation to and from the medical building is included in the university’s plan.
Hughes said the university expects many students to walk, as they currently do to other medical facilities run by William & Mary.
“The building has sat vacant for quite some time… to be able to continue the intended use on this building for that purpose is good,” Councilman Doug Pons said.
