Methodist University Hospital Vertical Expansion Opens

A $275-million, 450,000-square-foot patient tower at Methodist University Hospital, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is complete. The nine-story patient tower was constructed on top of the already existing emergency department and is part of the hospital’s campus expansion project, which also includes a 700-space parking plaza. Called Shorb Tower, it is named in honor of recently retired Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare President and CEO Gary Shorb.

The expansion allows for a 36% increase in ICU capacity and a 20% increase in the hospital’s operating room capacity. The next phase of the project includes 94,000 square feet of renovations to existing patient and operating rooms.

Laser-scanning technology was used to scan each of the 70 patient bathrooms to ensure the floors are perfectly sloped so that no water will pool. A newer technology, it takes the scanning process down from six to 10 minutes per room scan to just 24 seconds, ensuring delivery of a quality product in minimum time.

The project team worked closely with members of the community throughout the project, achieving 28% participation from minority- and women-owned businesses. Subcontractors working on the project received free OSHA 30-hour training classes, during which attendees learned about health and safety awareness in the industry.

The project team included Turner Construction, Self+Tucker Architects, archimania, HKS, Inc., Bernhard TME and Allen & Hoshall.

Photos courtesy of HKS, Inc.