The $15 million dollar expansion of United Hospital District’s campus is moving ahead slowly and it has required the purchase of two nearby houses.

On Tuesday, UHD boardmembers approved paying $39,900 for a residence at 129 E. 11th St. and $77,500 for another at 520 S. Moore St.

The board discussed acquiring the properties in closed-session for nearly 20 minutes.

“The sites could be used for additional parking space if we need to,” says Jeff Lang, UHD administrator.

The campus remodeling and reconstruction project is in the Phase 2 and 3 stage — where a schematic and interior designs are being developed by architects with the input of hospital officials.

“It’s taken a little longer than expected. We’re still moving areas around to make it work, so we can provide services in the most convenient manner,” says Lang.

The hospital administrator explained how the floor plan has evolved since the project began.

He says the building originally was laid out in a west and east configuration. That changed to a facility that was longer, stretching north and south. Now, Lang says the building resembles a square.

Another change is where the helipad will be put.

Because of cost, hospital officials wanted it at its present location. However, it will now be placed on the roof.

The building also will have a section of basement.

Lang says hospital administrators are starting to work on the ‘money side’ to fund the project.

Final designs are expected to be presented to the board for review in a couple of months.

The $4 million adolescent treatment center project in Winnebago is slightly behind schedule.

The goal was to start construction shortly after July 4.

“We want to make sure we are building the right facility,” says Lang.

The board was updated on remodeling being done at the former Zitnak Pharmacy building on Main Street.

United Home Health and Hospice of Faribault County is expected to move into its new location on March 15.