Pictured is an architectural rendering of the new building for the Chautauqua Center being constructed on Third Street and Park Avenue in the city.

DUNKIRK — The Chautauqua Center is going to be building a new facility on the empty lot located on the corner of Third Street and Park Avenue in Dunkirk.

The $5 million facility is being partially funded by New York state through a $3 million grant.

The facility will serve as a mixed medical building offering services such as dental, pharmacy, primary care and behavioral health.

“Currently we are mainly housed at 319 Central, but have other facilities around the city,” said Michael Pease, chief executive officer of The Chautauqua Center. “This will put everything in one place as well as allow us room to grow.”

Pease said they hope to enhance the location while keeping it within walking distance for more area residents, which played a vital role in their selection of location.

“We did a thorough assessment, looking at buildings and lots and found that it was cheaper to build a whole new structure as opposed to renovating an existing one,” Pease told the OBSERVER. “We secured the property in October of last year and after doing assessments and environmental site reviews we’re ready to begin construction.”

The Chautauqua Center hopes to break ground in mid-summer, all they have left after achieving two variances through the Dunkirk Zoning Board, is obtaining a Certificate of Need with the health department.

The facility will have 47 parking spaces with overflow allowed by the Save A Lot plaza owners. It will stand three floors high and have elevator access. The company hopes to have the structure complete by late summer of 2021.