September 11, 2008; Orlando, Fla. ― The long-awaited Orlando VA Medical Center is one step closer to breaking ground at Lake Nona as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) completed its highly anticipated acquisition of 65 acres of land in the heart of the emerging medical city at approximately 3:30pm on Thursday, September 11, 2008.

The acquisition will allow construction to begin on the state-of-the-art medical complex, including a 134-bed hospital, a 118-bed nursing home, a 60-bed domiciliary, an outpatient clinic, and a veterans benefits mini service center, and generous patient and visitor parking. The $656 million hospital is expected to break ground in the spring of 2009, and upon its anticipated completion in 2012, will increase accessibility to the highest quality health care for approximately 400,000 of Central Florida’s veterans, and could employ up to 2,500 people.

Timothy W. Liezert, Orlando VA Medical Center Director stated, “It’s a historic day for East Central Florida Veterans. This is a major step in fulfilling the need for a VA Medical Center in the Orlando area. Our staff is looking forward to working with the Lake Nona, community, veterans, and stakeholders."

In March 2007, the VA selected Lake Nona as the site for its state of the art medical center, citing the area’s accessibility to roadways, housing options, and availability of public transportation.

"This landmark moment is more than just a land acquisition,” said Jim Zboril, president of Lake Nona Property Holdings. “It’s another testament that Lake Nona is transforming our region by attracting world-class educators, doctors and researchers to what will be America’s healthiest community."

The new VA Medical Center is strategically located proximate to the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine and Health Sciences Campus, Nemours Children’s Hospital and Burnham Institute for Medical Research, and represent the core of a new life sciences cluster. Lake Nona’s Science & Technology Park will become the premier destination for healthcare, wellness, and research, attracting skilled physicians and educators worldwide to offer their training and expertise to Southeast Orlando.

Designed by the joint venture team of Ellerbe Becket and RLF, Inc., the project incorporates sustainable design principles and is expected to achieve U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification. The facility will also debut the latest in digital technology and modern amenities, including larger private rooms, family visiting areas, and personal wireless devices and Internet connections so patients can keep in touch with loved ones or access the Web.