BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s have expanded operations, opening a Bowling Green facility.

The Louisville-based healthcare provider is integrating offices that were once Bowling Green Internal Medicine & Pediatric Services.

“We can continue to grow, (providing a) medical home for our families, our children, our parents, grandparents," said Paul Kniery with Norton Children's. 

The integration is part of a $1.2 million investment and will have 9,000 square feet of space for pediatric and adult primary care.

Russell Cox, president and CEO of Norton Healthcare, said he’s hoping to expand the type of care available in Bowling Green such as neurological and oncological services.

“We’re not limiting it to any of those as we see the need for those," Cox said. "We’re going to continue to grow them.” 

Norton’s presence in Bowling Green comes on the heels of major economic news for the city.

The acquisition comes after Site Selection Magazine named Bowling Green as No. 1 in economic development for cities under a 200,000 population.

“With that comes a need for more healthcare, stronger healthcare," said Travis Keller, board chairman for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.

“This is another example of a company who looks down at Bowling Green and says, 'This is the fastest growing community in the state of Kentucky, and we want to be a part of that.'"

Norton Children’s and Norton Healthcare are now open in downtown Bowling Green.