The Advanced Orthopedic Institute is the newest development in the University of Tennessee’s Cherokee Farm Research Park, a 150-acre hub of innovation and research designed for established companies and entrepreneurs to collaborate with the university and leverage its resources.
OrthoTennessee previously occupied a building on UT Medical Center’s campus for clinical services and performed all its surgical procedures in the on-campus outpatient surgery center.
Due to the significant demand in ambulatory orthopedic procedures and surgical capacity challenges faced by UTMC, the organizations saw the opportunity to align on a new comprehensive center adjacent to campus.
By co-locating orthopedic research, clinic and ambulatory surgery services, the project provides efficiencies in healthcare access.
The project helped earn developer Realty Trust Group a 2023 CoStar Impact Award, as judged by real estate professionals familiar with the market.
About the project: This 91,354-square-foot ambulatory surgery center and medical office building was built to provide patients across East Tennessee with orthopedic and surgical care from one location. The building is 100% leased on 15-year terms with market rental rates.
What the judges said: “Advanced Orthopedic Institute will have a large impact on the quality of healthcare in Knoxville and provide high-salary jobs to keep University of Tennessee graduates in town,” said Tom Mann, senior vice president of industrial real estate for The Hollingsworth Cos.
They made it happen: The Realty Trust team included Chad Simpson, president; Adam Luttrell, senior vice president; Mark Miller, director of capital projects; and Sam Schulze, senior analyst.
