CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A recent move by Hankook Tire to open its own health care clinic for its 2,200 employees and their family members has led Premier Medical Group to cancel its plans to build a clinic nearby at the Industrial Park.
Premier had planned on opening a clinic on a site in the Clarksville-Montgomery County South Industrial Park, behind the restaurants at Rossview Road and International Boulevard. The company bought the 2.6-acre site in December 2023 from the Industrial Development Board for $800,000, with the intent to serve employees at nearby industries.
But on Jan. 7, Hankook Tire announced the opening of the Hankook Tire Clinic, a new onsite health center that will provide care to employees and their families, serving an estimated 4,400 customers. Between that and the incoming Ascension Saint Thomas and TriStar hospitals, there’s less need in the coming years for another new clinic.
“The demand for urgent care and occupational health services may be absorbed by these new providers,” IDB President Josh Ward said at Wednesday’s IDB meeting. “Given the current health care landscape in Clarksville, Premier … contacted the IDB and offered to sell their property back to the IDB.”
When the IDB sold the property in 2023, a “clawback” provision was included that states Premier must build a clinic within three years or they would need to give the IDB the option to buy it back at the original $800,000 sale price. After three years of appreciation, and with new businesses opening nearby, the commercial property is probably now worth $900,000 to $950,000, Ward said.
Buy it back or leave it up to Premier?
During Wednesday’s meeting, the board debated the merits of buying back the property or leaving it up to Premier to sell it.
Ward said one advantage to the IDB reclaiming the property is that the IDB can decide who locates there, ensuring that it’s a business that serves the industrial park’s companies and employees, such as the nearby daycare center and the planned ACE Hardware store next door.
Board member Dr. Karen Meisch asked if the IDB has used the clinic as a marketing tool in its recruiting of new businesses to the park. “That’s a good reason to go ahead and purchase it,” she said.
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Member John Rudolph asked if that matter would be covered by the restricted covenants in place on the property. He asked that the IDB staff come back with the list of covenants so the board can see what’s already listed.
Rudolph also expressed concerns about the IDB holding onto small retail parcels, putting the IDB in the position of competing with private developers. IDB Chair Jim Durrett agreed, saying, “This is getting us into the real estate business.” Durrett added, “At the end of the day, when that piece of property is on the tax rolls, Montgomery County is better off,” so leaving it in Premier’s hands, for now at least, would be better.
The board approved postponing action until the staff can report back with the restricted covenants on the property. The IDB has until December 2026 to make a decision.
About the Hankook Tire Clinic
The Hankook Tire Clinic Powered by Evernorth will offer a broad range of services, from routine preventive care and primary care to acute care for common illnesses and injuries, chronic condition management and select occupational health services, according to a press release.
It’s open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., making it easier for employees to access care before, during or after their workday without leaving the property. All full-time and part-time Hankook Tire employees and eligible family members can use the clinic, regardless of their health insurance plan, with low or no out-of-pocket costs that are typically lower than urgent care or emergency room visits.
Update on ACE Hardware, restaurants
An ACE Hardware store specializing in supplies for contractors and small businesses is being built next to the Premier property. Ward said the developer is still in the site review stage and is designing the stormwater basin plan.
The Waffle House at the site will open in a couple of months, Ward said. The former Taco John’s at the site will become a Dunkin’ Donuts.
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