Craig Howell NEW OFFICE PLANNED – Officials with WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center were joined by several guests, including representatives of Park Drive Development and the City of Weirton, Thursday, in announcing plans for a new pediatrics office to be located within the business development along Park Drive. The office will be open later this year.

WEIRTON — WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center is investing in care for local youth.

Hospital officials were joined by guests to announce the start of construction of a new WVU Medicine Pediatrics Office, which will be located at 105 Mill Road within the Park Drive business development.

“We’re really excited about this location,” said David Artman, WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center president and CEO.

Artman said the decision to relocate the hospital’s pediatric services is part of a strategic, patient-centered approach to care delivery, with an evaluation of access, visibility and convenience for area families.

The site, located just off Park Drive across from the Walmart Supercenter, provides a high-traffic area near retail and other businesses and will offer a state-of-the-art, family-friendly environment prioritizing ease of access and modern pediatric care.

The office will be led by Dr. Jennifer Zatezalo and Dr. Dana Lounder, both graduates of Weir High School and West Virginia University.

“We have two outstanding providers here,” Artman said, noting this is the first phase of new infrastructural development for the hospital to improve inpatient care services. “This investment represents more than a new building — it reflects our long-term commitment to the health and well-being of children and families in our community.”

Hospital officials anticipate beginning patient care in the new office before the end of the year.

The project is seen as a benefit to the development, formally known as Park Place.

Eric Frankovitch, one of the partners in Park Drive Development LLC, which owns the plaza, said five retail storefronts are filled, with other businesses expected in the coming months.

He added that residential apartments on the top floor of the building filled quickly after becoming available.

Plans for the development include two buildings, each featuring a mix of business and residential units.

“We’re eager to get this filled up and start on the next building,” Frankovitch said.