SOUTH BURLINGTON - On April 27, the University of Vermont Health Network opened 303 Market St., with 61 apartments for its employees, in a joint project with Snyder-Braverman Development Co.

Meanwhile, not far away, behind Healthy Living grocery market on Dorset Street, Snyder-Braverman and UVM Health Network have begun work on an even bigger and more ambitious project at 112 Garden St., which will include:

• 120 apartments made available for UVM Health Network employees.

• a 5,000-square-foot childcare facility for UVM Health Network employees.

• 1,500 square feet of retail space, likely to be filled by a café, open to the public.

"It is vital for our Network to have enough providers and staff to meet the record level of demand for health care services in our region," Dr. Sunny Eapen, president and chief executive officer of the UVM Health Network, said last December at the groundbreaking for 112 Garden St. "These projects represent a strategic investment to support our people and build a sustainable workforce as we reduce our reliance on temporary workers."

A piece of the housing puzzle

The child care facility will have up to 75 spots for infants through Pre-K, made available first to Network employees, under the same arrangement between UVM Health Network and Snyder-Braverman that is in place for the apartments at 303 Market St.

The Network contributed $6.2 million to the cost of building 112 Garden St., giving it a 49% ownership stake in the project, the same as 303 Market St. Snyder-Braverman retains a 51% ownership interest. A 10-year master lease gives the Health Network control of the apartments and child care center. At the end of that lease, the Network has the option to renew its master lease, according to spokeswoman Annie Mackin.

"We want to be flexible with all of this, since it's an entirely new undertaking for us," Mackin said. "As we see how things are working at 303 Market St., and listen to employees about their experience there, the goal is to evolve and adapt."

More: UVM is building housing for students, employees in South Burlington. Here's where.

Paul Conner, South Burlington's director of planning and zoning, said 112 Garden St. is slated to be ready for occupancy in late summer 2024.

"This is what (the UVM Health Network) is doing to alleviate the pressures they've been feeling as an employer, to be a participant in the construction of housing in the area," Conner said.

Conner called it "a small piece of the puzzle in terms of overall housing need."

The project

Project cost: Estimated at $21.7 million in 2022 application, including an investment of $6.2 million by the University of Vermont Health Network

Developer: Snyder-Braverman Development Co. (Shelburne)

Architect: Jutras Architecture, PLC (Burlington)

Engineer: Lamoreaux & Dickenson (Essex Junction)

Address: 112 Garden St., South Burlington

Progress:

Site work is underway. A large tent has been constructed as part of the staging process. Projected opening is late summer 2024.

Features:

• 120 market-rate apartments; a mix of studios and apartments with one or more bedrooms. yet to be determined

• On-site fitness center and café.

What's in the neighborhood:

• Healthy Living and Trader Joe's grocery markets.

• The Blue Mall.

• University Mall, including Target.

• Many other retail businesses on Dorset Street.

• South Burlington City Hall and Library.

• Rick Marcotte Central School.

Contact Dan D’Ambrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosio@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDambrosioVT. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: UVM Health Network plans second apartment building for employees