Two Tucson neurology practices have merged and will make a new home in a state-of-the-art building on the city’s North Side.

Pediatric Neurology Associates and Neurological Associates of Tucson are now part of the Center for Neurosciences.

At the moment, geographically speaking, the “center” part of that title may be a bit of a misnomer because the practice is housed in four locations around town: one near St. Mary’s Hospital on the West Side, one near Northwest Medical Center on the Northwest Side and two near Tucson Medical Center on the East Side.

But once a 30,000-square-foot building is completed sometime next spring, all operations will be consolidated. The building will be located at East River and North Hacienda del Sol roads, on the south side of River where actor Lee Marvin used to own property, said Jane Jensen, executive director of the center.

The project will cost up to $8 million, which includes acquisition of the land, Jensen said. The center was designed by Clayton R. Joyce Architects. The Robert Caylor Construction Co. will start building this spring.

The center will be the only place in Southern Arizona that offers “comprehensive neurological care,” said Dr. Abhay Sanan, a neurosurgeon with the center.

The new building will have 30 examination rooms, a neurophysiology suite with eight treatment rooms to test brain waves, nerves and muscles, and a suite for conducting MRI tests.

The practice employs 13 doctors, five physician’s assistants and nurse practitioners and more than 50 other employees.

With low interest rates and an aging population, many Tucson medical practices have been buying buildings or even building new ones to accommodate more patients, said Michael Gross, with Tucson Realty & Trust Co.
 

“They’re looking at controlling more of their environment … having their own parking that is specific to their needs,” Gross said. “While interest rates are a little bit low, it works out, especially for the medical profession.”