Northside Hospital system recently bought a building with plans to expand its services in Dawson County.

The hospital purchased the property at 91 Nordson Overlook in March, according to Russ Davis, director of marketing and public relations.

"Northside is pleased to be able to continue offering high-quality health care services to Dawson County residents," Davis said. "Our goal is to continue to grow along with the community to best meet their health care needs."

At nearly 34,500 square feet, the three-story building currently houses an urgent care practice, pain management clinic, ear, nose and throat specialist and physical therapy center.

The facility offers growth potential for Northside's local imaging center, which is at 200 Dawson Commons Circle.

"This larger facility will allow us to offer a wider range of medical services in the future," Davis said.

Dawson County's population is projected to grow 13 percent by 2016.

"Dawsonville is growing and the health care needs of the community will do the same," Davis said.

Charlie Auvermann, Development Authority of Dawson County executive director, said he has seen an increase in local interest by private practices, medical groups and hospital systems since the first of the year.

"Our physical location is one of the important factors in their interest," he said.

Auvermann noted that as the Northside Hospital system expands in neighboring Forsyth County, its focus continues north along Ga. 400.

"At the same time, Northeast Georgia Medical Center is expanding in Hall County and their draw comes across Hwy. 53 in to Dawson," he said. "The intersection of those two highways as a result has come under intense consideration."

In a recent news release, Auvermann reported that a growing number of practices, clinics and medical facilities are looking at properties in the county.

"We expect there to be several expansion announcements by such concerns within the next few months," he said.