Skanska USA Signs $108M Contract to Renovate, Build Golisano Children's in Florida

Skanska USA Building has signed a contract to construct a new eight-story patient tower and renovate an existing facility at Lee Memorial Health System's Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers, Florida.

Skanska, leading a joint venture with Gates Construction, will include its full 75 percent share of the contract — totaling $108 million — in its first quarter order bookings. The total contract value is $144 million.

The new patient tower of the Golisano Children's Hospital will include a pediatric emergency department located on the second level, featuring its own entry for children. There will be a total of 128 beds in the new patient pavilion, with the capability to expand to 160. Other services located in the new children's pavilion include pediatric surgical services, pediatric intensive care, pediatric acute care, hematology and oncology care, outpatient clinics, neonatal intensive care, a pharmacy and diagnostic imaging services. The new pavilion will be designed to withstand a Category 5 hurricane.

“We are eager to get major construction underway,” says Dave Kistel, vice president of facilities for Lee Memorial Health System. “The demand for children's services in our community continues to grow and our current facilities are often at capacity. Traveling to get care in hospitals in Miami or Tampa compounds the stress on these young patients and their families. The new hospital will expand our capabilities and keep children's care close to home.”

The renovation of the main facility will enable greater efficiency for both the children and adult hospitals. These renovations include the relocation of existing labs, consolidation of surgical services and the relocation and expansion of an MRI and pediatric sedation unit, as well as public access to the new children's pavilion.

Fred Hames, executive vice president and general manager for Skanska USA's Florida projects, added, “We are very fortunate to be part of something so special for families in Southwest Florida. We know how important this project is and are committed to deliver world class talent and service to Lee Memorial Hospital.”

The renovation of Golisano Children's Hospital will begin in April/May of 2014 and construction of the new patient tower will begin in April 2014. Both the renovation and construction are slated for completion in April 2017.