Swedish Medical Center, located at 501 E. Hampden Ave., is Englewood’s largest employer. The hospital has about 2,000 employees — and now some will have a new workspace to look forward to.

Construction has begun on Synergy Medical, a medical office development that will provide office and retail space for the Swedish campus. The development, which will be located across from the main entrance of Swedish Medical Center and near Craig Hospital, will include spaces for an ambulatory surgery center, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons and other complementary practices, according to a news release.

Synergy Medical is expected to be 102,000 square feet, and the retail space will include a restaurant and a soon-to-be-named coffee shop.

“The city of Englewood is excited that the Synergy Medical project has broken ground and construction is underway. This $28 million investment is located in the heart of our growing medical district, and its proximity to Swedish Medical Center assures that Englewood will continue to serve as a hub for regional medical services and health care employment well into the future,” said Englewood Mayor Linda Olson in a statement to the Englewood Herald.

The Synergy Medical development is another example of recent improvements connected to Swedish Medical Center. The hospital has added a neuro intensive care unit and expanded orthopedic and robotic surgical and inpatient services over the past three years.

“Swedish Medical Center has renewed its commitment to south metro Denver with our recent investments in the improvement and expansion of our facilities. Our specialty medical, surgical and trauma services are world-class, attracting patients from throughout the Rocky Mountain region,” said Swedish Medical Center CEO Richard Hammett in the release. “The Synergy Medical building gives us much needed space for additional physician and clinical services, while bringing new dining and services to the campus for our patients and visitors.”

According to the release, Synergy Medical will be placed in an opportunity zone — a community development tool that stems from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Opportunity zones provide tax incentive for investors to reinvest capital gains into qualified communities, according to the city of Englewood.

“What I believe this shows is the influence of Swedish Medical and Craig Hospital not only in Englewood, but across the region. It’s always been a vital part of Englewood, and I believe the trend of new business entering the area will continue,” said Englewood City Councilmember Othoniel Sierra. He listed restaurants like Cochino Taco and Bosphorus as examples of businesses that have opened recently near the Synergy Medical development. Sierra added that the city needs to be mindful of any negative impacts that growth can have, like traffic and difficulty finding parking.