DANVILLE — A South Charleston nephrologist has taken the next step in his plans to build a dialysis center and kidney clinic for his Boone County patients.

A crew started demolishing the vacant Big Lots building in Danville last week and should complete it within the next two or three weeks, the workers said.

Dr. Julian Espiritu Jr. said he plans to build a two-story facility where the 15,000-square foot building stood.

Espiritu said he plans to house his business on the first floor and rent the second floor. Each story will occupy 7,400 square feet, he said.

Espiritu said he plans to use the rest of the 0.619-acre lot for patient parking.

Construction of Greater Boone Dialysis will take approximately one year, Espiritu said. He already owns and operates Greater Charleston Dialysis, a 5-year-old facility located in South Charleston.

Espiritu still is waiting for the West Virginia Health Care Authority to grant a Certificate of Need for his proposed project.

Greater Charleston Dialysis Administrator Cathy Carper said a hearing has been set for Dec. 4, although that date could change.

“I know this is a hurdle we have to go through,” Espiritu said. “You never assume it will happen. But I’m proceeding with optimism.

“I know the community needs it. Construction takes at least a year. So, I want us to be ready to go if and when we are approved. I don’t want there to be any delays.”

Contact Managing Editor Jacob Messer at HYPERLINK "jacobmesser@coalvalleynews.com" jacobmesser@coalvalleynews.com or 369-1165.