COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Department of Veterans Affairs is searching for a building in Columbia for a new research facility. The VA is taking bids to lease a 70,000-square-foot building for research and office space.
Bid documents show the government wants to rent a building between 59,709-70,246 square feet and 250 parking spots. The documents do not say what kind of research would take place at the facility. Bids are open until Dec.
20. VA public affairs specialist Gary Kunich told ABC 17 News the department could not comment on the specifics of the plan beyond the bid documents. "VA is committed to improving Veterans’ lives through health care research," Kunich said in an email.
"VA researchers across the nation explore a wide range of issues to uncover and understand new and innovative treatments that help both Veterans and the American people." Documents show the facility would sport 258 rooms. Sections include those for imaging, surgery and animal holding and handling.
At least two developers have submitted plans to the City of Columbia to build brand-new facilities for the VA on the north side of town. One of them -- from Vet Med Property LLC -- would go on the southwest corner of Range Line Street and Blue Ridge Road near the Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins restaurant. Another proposal from Columbia engineer Ben Ross calls for a facility on the east side of Range Line Street, just north of Smiley Lane.
Ward 2 Councilwoman Lisa Meyer said the area is in need of developm.
