40-bed facility to expand access to specialized rehabilitation care across the tri-state region
Birmingham, Ala. – The Sanders Trust, one of the nation’s leading healthcare real estate investment and development companies, has broken ground on an inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Ooltewah, Tennessee. The milestone ceremony was held on April 8, 2026, marking the start of construction on a state-of-the-art facility designed to serve patients across Hamilton County and the surrounding tri-state region.
CommonSpirit – Memorial Rehabilitation Hospital is a joint venture between CommonSpirit and Lifepoint Rehabilitation, an operating division of Lifepoint Health, which will manage the day-to-day operations of the facility upon completion.
The Sanders Trust was selected as the developer of the 56,000-square-foot, 40-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital, which will be located on Mountain View Road. The facility is expected to open in spring 2027.
Developed to meet the growing demand for specialized rehabilitation services, the hospital will provide comprehensive, patient-centered care for adults experiencing loss of function due to conditions such as stroke, brain injury, neurological disorders, and other complex medical conditions. Of the 40 beds, 12 will be dedicated to patients recovering from brain injuries.
The hospital is thoughtfully designed to create a therapeutic environment that supports healing and recovery. Planned features include modern therapy gyms, a specialized suite designed to simulate activities of daily living, and outdoor courtyards to encourage movement and engagement throughout the rehabilitation process.
“This groundbreaking represents an important step in expanding access to high-quality inpatient rehabilitation services in the region,” said Rance Sanders, President and CEO of The Sanders Trust. “We are pleased to partner with CommonSpirit and Lifepoint Rehabilitation on a facility that will play a critical role in helping patients recover, regain independence, and return home stronger.”
The Sanders Trust is partnering with architect ESa (Earl Swensson Associates) to bring the vision of the facility to life. Once complete, the hospital will serve as a vital resource for individuals recovering from serious injuries and illnesses, further strengthening access to specialized care across southeast Tennessee and the surrounding communities.
For more information about The Sanders Trust’s role in this development, please contact Krista Conlin at krista@kcprojects.net.
ABOUT THE SANDERS TRUST
The Sanders Trust develops and acquires medical office buildings, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, specialty hospitals and other mission critical healthcare facilities nationwide. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, The Sanders Trust has been a recognized leader in the investment community for healthcare clients since its inception in 1989 and has developed or acquired medical properties in 30 states. For more information on The Sanders Trust, visit www.SandersTrust.com.
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