The Valley Medical Center emergency department and medical plaza planned for Covington is moving down the field step by step.

Valley completed the deal Dec. 15 with Ashton Development for the 10 acre site. Valley Medical paid about $5 million for the property in the town center area behind Safeway and Fred Meyer.

Valley has been working with the city on the design of the emergency department fitting into the new design standards passed in December for Covington’s town center area of its downtown core.

The design code calls for the buildings to front within 10 feet of right of way.

The design standard is meant to keep parking lots from street view in the rear of buildings, and bring building fronts out to the street and maintain a walkable town center.

Covington Planning Manager Richard Hart said the emergency department entrance presents some challenges, but Valley “came up with a unique design, integrating (the entrance) into the building front.”

Valley’s design has the emergency access between two buildings with only a driveway visible.

“They spent some time to design it,” Hart said.

The process is still in the design phase. Valley will submit detailed plans prior to applying for a building permit, which should occur later this year.

The proposed plans includes retail and office space in the plaza with the 24-hour emergency department.