United Hospital District Inc. (UHD) announces the sale of its former Adolescent Treatment Center (ATC) building to Genesis Classical Academy (GCA). Terms of the agreement were completed June 30, 2020. The Winnebago facility had recently become available after UHD closed the ATC program due in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to UHD CEO Rick Ash, UHD had determined that internal use of the building was not feasible, therefore the best option was to find a way to keep its use local. “After the difficult decision to close the Adolescent Treatment Center, one of UHD’s key goals was to repurpose the facility in a way that is meaningful to the community. We’re pleased that our agreement with GCA meets this criterion, and additionally creates value for the community by allowing another organization to grow and remain in the area. Although the sale of the building puts a final touch on the ATC program closure, it’s an important step in maintaining our financial health as we journey through these extraordinary times of COVID-19.” At nearly 18,000 square feet, the former ATC facility was completed in 2010 as the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certified, or “green” treatment center in the nation. UHD had owned and operated the ATC program for nearly thirty years, having acquired it from Fountain Centers in 1992. Despite expanding programming and marketing changes, ATC operated a loss for many years from a combination of low reimbursement and low census. The arrival of COVID-19 virtually eliminated the residential nature of the program, making it impossible to sustain. GCA, a non-denominational classical Christian school, has been operating at another location in Winnebago since opening five years ago. After some renovations to adapt the building to its needs, GCA expects the facility to be completed in time to greet students at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year
