The Albert Lea City Council on Monday will consider Mayo Clinic’s plan for a more than $2 million facility for Albert Lea Gold Cross.

The 8,100-square foot facility would be at 109 West Ave. on the campus of Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea near Central Park and would house office and training space, crew quarters and ambulance space.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams said Gold Cross has made adjustments since its plan was unanimously approved by the Albert Lea Planning Commission earlier this month, including adding additional bricks and revising garage doors to increase the facility’s aesthetics on the building’s east side. Light fixtures and brick with medallion work are planned on the south side of the facility to make it more appealing to people who drive, park or live in the area, Adams said.

Updated plans came after local residents expressed concern over the aesthetics of the proposed facility. Residents have expressed concern with the project since it was announced, citing traffic, noise and safety concerns with elderly residents and several churches in the neighborhood. 

During a study session on Thursday, 2nd Ward Councilor Larry Baker and Adams said Gold Cross has partnered well with the city on the proposed project.

Kristofer Keltgen, Gold Cross regional manager of operations, has said the facility will exceed the energy code, feature LED lighting, have in-floor heating and be cost effective to operate.

The cost of the facility is expected to be paid for by Mayo Clinic.

According to Keltgen, the facility will increase efficiency by consolidating services currently spread in four locations, and he said the project is essential for the community’s health, safety and welfare and will address the growth in call volumes at Gold Cross and projected staff increases.

The facility is expected to last at least 40 years.

Gold Cross is a not-for-profit subsidiary of Mayo Clinic. The ambulance service in Albert Lea integrated with Gold Cross on March 1, 2013.