Public Health & Ambulance Facility
Lee County Health Department and Lee County EMS, Fort Madison, Iowa
Project Overview
| Owner | Lee County, Iowa |
|---|---|
| Location | Fort Madison, Iowa |
| Delivery Method | Construction Management Agency with Design |
| Description | New Construction |
| Gross Floor Area | 12,000 SF |
The Lee County Board of Supervisors engaged Carl A. Nelson & Company in 2023 to provide Construction Management Agency with Design services for the planning and eventual construction of a combined facility to house the Lee County Health Department and Lee County EMS, two public agencies that had been longtime nomads in Fort Madison, Iowa, each lacking permanent, mission-built quarters.
After first developing a project plan and initial budget to support the county's fundraising efforts through grants and local donations, the CANCO-led team designed and executed construction of a 12,000 SF facility to house offices for the health department, and a garage, living quarters and support spaces for EMS crews. The initial project was budgeted at $6.5 million, but delivered on-time for approximately $6.2 million — a savings of approximately $300,000. Work began in October 2024 to build the Meller Family Health Center (so named for the family that donated the land where the building is located), and was completed in late November 2025. A ribbon-cutting ceremony in December 2025 brought together agency employees, county officials, CANCO team members, the Meller family and others to celebrate the achievement.