With healthcare demand showing no signs of waning due to the aging population, cost pressures and technology breakthroughs, more medical facilities are hitting the market across the country, prompting new personnel to manage assets. Meridian recently hired Linda Shoemaker Haskins to serve as vice president of asset management, overseeing management of Meridian’s properties in Northern California.
In an exclusive, John Pollock, chief executive officer of Meridian, recently discussed the demand for healthcare, locations of choice for developers and the outlook for medical real estate going into 2018.
GlobeSt.com: How did we end the year with regard to healthcare CRE, on a record/high note or demand left unfilled?
Pollock: 2017 ended with a flurry of activity for Meridian. We executed a significant lease on our available space in Berkeley, CA, traded and signed LOIs for sizable vacancies at our properties in Laguna Hills and Pasadena, CA, and closed escrow on a 0.68-acre development site in Long Beach, CA. We also successfully entitled two additional sites in Northern California for ambulatory outpatient clinics.
GlobeSt.com: What are some of the features of MOBs that have been developed recently that really hit it out of the park in terms of uniqueness?
Pollock: Meridian delivered an Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development/OSHPD3, a 12,750-square-foot outpatient clinic to a user on a dense urban infill 17,600-square-foot parcel on a vibrant retail corridor in Oakland, CA. The clinic was wedged between a Blue Bottle Coffeeand a Firestone Auto Care center, with great visibility, easy access and ample parking, which are all hallmarks of a medical office building that can provide a great patient experience.