TRAVERSE CITY -- As Munson Medical Center nears capacity, it’s taking a look at its options to grow.

The hospital has been discussing plans to expand for some time, and now administrators are buying nearby property to help push the process along.

MMC recently bought Members Credit Union at 120 Beaumont Place and Sixth Street Drug property which is on the same block.

Steve Tongue, vice president of facilities and engineering at Munson Medical Center says, "We have been interested in properties to the north because the city zoning really directs us north, so that makes sense."

The hospital is dealing with growing pains; based on current figures it could exceed capacity by 2016.

While the hospital doesn't have any plans for the land yet, the hospital says purchasing it was the right move. Munson is bordered by Grand Traverse Commons to the south, Kid's Creek to the east, and there’s tough terrain to the west. That means any future projects must be built to the north. 

The hospital says its long term goals are to build a tower for more beds and a possible cancer center.