The Benton Harbor Planning Commission has approved a special use permit for Corewell Health’s new Center for Better Health and Wellness at 145 West Main Street. At a Thursday meeting, Corewell’s Nikki Britten told planners they’re moving the current clinic across the street to a building donated by Whirlpool. She said the current center, opened in 2020, was intended to help Corewell better meet the health needs of Benton Harbor residents.
“Corewell Health South has been on a bit of a journey for the last seven to ten years to try to see how we can get closer to the community, how we can meet the community’s health needs,” Britten said.
Britten said the new building offers 20 times as much space for the health center, so more services can be hosted there.
“The Center for Better Health represents an investment in rectifying some of those issues that we have heard form the community, that they want to see Corewell Health operating differently.”
Britten noted the center has an advisory board that includes Benton Harbor residents. The building plan involves a total renovation of the first floor, which has been done, as well as minor improvements to the second floor. Staff will use that space. The facility will have 12 exam rooms, a conference room, and a kitchen, among other things. Planners approved the special use permit, which now goes to the city commission. It’s hoped the new center will be ready to open in the fall.
