Kaiser Permanente buys Everett sites for ‘world-class’ facility

EVERETT — Kaiser Permanente has closed on the purchase of three properties adjoining a medical facility in Everett’s Riverside neighborhood, paving the way for a previously announced expansion that will triple the non-profit health-care provider’s footprint near Pacific Avenue and I-5.

The three properties — the former Cocoon House site, a Denny’s restaurant and a commercial building that has housed a radio station, bank and real estate agency — are on the same block as Kaiser Permanente’s existing building at 2930 Maple St.

“We’ve closed on the sale of the properties and I can confirm preliminary plans of 165,000 square feet,” company spokeswoman Linnae Riesen said. “We can’t yet confirm facility contents as we’re still in the planning process.”

Construction is expected to begin this fall, Riesen said.

“Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to Everett is clear,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “We welcome this expansion of world-class care and investment in our city.”

The expansion is part of a $1 billion investment the health organization announced in 2017 to support new and upgraded facilities in Washington, which also includes the purchase of land in Seattle.

Kaiser, an Oakland, California-based non-profit, serves more than 700,000 members throughout the state.

Both the Seattle and Everett locations will provide patients with state-of-the-art specialty care facilities, the company said.

“These strategic developments mean even more customer-driven investments to expand our mission of integrated care and meaningful partnership in our communities,” Susan Mullaney, regional president of Kaiser Permanente Washington, said in a statement. “Building these facilities supports our intention to lead the state in innovation, affordability and convenience for our members.”

Kaiser also plans to open a new medical center in Smokey Point this spring.

Janice Podsada; jpodsada@heraldnet.com; 425-339-3097. Twitter: JanicePods.