Noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. Larry Lemak is expanding his sports medicine practice to include a $1.5 million facility next to Shelby Baptist Medical Center.

Lemak Sports Medicine-Shelby will be built in the former SouthTrust Bank branch adjacent to the hospital, said Matthew Lemak, son of Larry and CEO Lemak Sports Medicine and Orthopedics. Larry’s primary practice is located at Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham.

Once renovations are completed, Lemak Sports Medicine plans to occupy the 7,500 square foot building by the end of the year. The practice will also focus on outpatient physical therapy.

“We wanted (the facility) to be freestanding and convenient for our patients to get in and get out of,” Matthew said. “We’re very excited about it.”

Matthew said the practice will be led by Dr. Mike Patterson, who has worked with Shelby Baptist orthopedists and sports medicine physicians Matt Davis and Heath Hale at the Baptist Health Center off Shelby County 52 in Pelham. Patterson, a former Florida State University defensive back, will have access to Shelby Baptist for procedures.

Matthew said the practice may add more physicians in the future.

“We’re in discussions with a few other doctors at this point,” he said.