Groundbreaking for ICHS Clinic in Shoreline

The Morning Star drummers performed for the groundbreaking
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Groundbreaking ceremonies took place on September 24, 2013 for the new International Community Health Services (ICHS) clinic on Aurora in Shoreline. The 40,000 square foot clinic will serve area residents with affordable and in-language medical and dental services.

Construction is well underway for the 40,000 sq foot facility
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The new facility is full-service, with medical and dental services (18 exam rooms, 10 dental chairs), the ability to perform some procedures in-house, and an on-site pharmacy and laboratory. Education is a component with classrooms and a community hall. ICHS has bilingual outreach and education staff members who attend community events to answer health questions and raise awareness. Each year, ICHS provides health care in more than 50 languages and dialects.

Architect's drawing of the completed facility
Miller Hayashi Architects, LLC 

With those new facilities, ICHS becomes a truly regional health care organization, mirroring the dramatic growth of the Asian Pacific Islander and immigrant population in neighborhoods throughout the state. ICHS started in 1973 as a free community clinic and now provides medical, dental and health education services to more than 18,500 patients yearly. It remains the main health care safety net for Asian Pacific Islanders in Washington state and assists everyone, especially those in need, immigrants, refugees, low income residents and limited English speakers.

From left, State Rep Cindy Ryu, ICHS Foundation Director Ron Chew,
Mayor Keith McGlashan, County Councilmember Rod Dembowski,
CEO Teresita Batayola, City Manager Julie Underwood
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The building will include an exhibition gallery inside, with a courtyard and garden outside.

The Morning Star drummers got a turn at groundbreaking
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Because of the location on Aurora, there will be access by public transit. There will be 80 parking spaces for patients, but they expect that a good number of patients will be walking or taking public transportation to get to the clinic. 

The clinic is located on an acre of land at 16549 Aurora Ave N.