BELLINGHAM - Groundbreaking could begin the next couple of weeks for a new home for Bellingham Obstetrics and Gynecologic Associates on Squalicum Parkway.

The practice - also known as Bellingham Ob/Gyn - is building a one-story, 7,200-square-foot medical clinic at 3200 Squalicum Parkway.

The new clinic is near Bellingham Ob/Gyn's existing space at 2980 Squalicum Parkway, as well as PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.

"It's just a couple of blocks down the road. It's still walking distance from the hospital; that's our goal," said Rhonda Barrett, administrator for Bellingham Ob/Gyn.

Construction is estimated at $825,000, according to the building permit.

The new clinic will be a little larger than the current space, according to Barrett, and is being built for a number of reasons.

"We don't own the building that we're in," Barrett said of one reason.

The new building also will allow the practice - which has 20 employees and five physicians - to be on one floor and to have parking for its customers instead of sharing parking with other building tenants, as is the case now.

"It will be nice to have us all on one level and all together," Barrett said.

Also, parking will be "more convenient for our patients," she added.

Barrett said the practice hopes to be able to move in at the end of next summer.

RMC Architects is the architecture firm. Dawson Construction is the builder. Both are in Bellingham.

Reach KIE RELYEA at kie.relyea@bellinghamherald.com or call 360-715-2234.