After years of planning, construction began this summer on a regional health and wellness center in Hermantown.

The $26 million Essentia Wellness Center, located at the intersection of Ugstad and Arrowhead Roads, will include three key elements – a YMCA, a childcare center run by the YMCA and co-located healthcare services provided by Essentia Health. Financial support runs deep and includes many partners. Beyond Essentia Health’s contribution of $2 million, the state of Minnesota budgeted $8 million in its 2016 bonding bill, and the city of Hermantown, St. Louis County and capital campaign contributions will add the remaining $16 million.