Immokalee medical center debuts first major renovations

The only comprehensive medical care center in Immokalee just received a facelift — and there’s more to come.

Healthcare Network announced in late November that it completed work on the first of three phases of renovations to its Marion E. Fether Medical Center, which has served the community for more than 30 years.

The medical center, located at 1454 Madison Ave. W. in Immokalee, opened in 1993 and currently serves more than 10,000 patients annually for essential medical services, according to Healthcare Network. The nonprofit organization said capacity will double after the full renovation, with expected completion in late 2026.

Services at the outpatient-only facility include primary and preventative care, behavioral health, children’s care, senior care, dental, optometry and women’s care.

In a news release, Healthcare Network President and CEO Jamie Ulmer said that as the only comprehensive care provider in Immokalee, the impact of the Marion E. Fether center has been “immeasurable.”

“These renovations honor our history, strengthen our foundation for the future and reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring this community receives the high-quality care it deserves,” Ulmer said.

Throughout construction, the center has remained open, so medical care could continue for Immokalee residents, which currently has a population of about 28,000.

Phase 1 renovations to the 42,000-square-foot facility started in early 2024 and included essential structural and aesthetic improvements to modernize the medical center for the long term. The improvements included a new roof, a new centralized waiting room and patient check-in area and a fully renovated in-house pharmacy.

Phase 2 is already underway, which will include upgrades to the family care and specialty care areas. Phase III will include renovations to the X-ray, laboratory and dental departments.

Healthcare Network estimates the total cost for all three phases — which it sees as a major investment in the future of Immokalee’s health — at $5 million and said $4.1 million has been raised toward that goal.

“With continued community support, we can complete this transformation and preserve a vital resource the people of Immokalee rely on every day,” Ulmer said.