Hurricanes Influence New Hospital’s Construction

New structure replaces original Fishermen’s Community Hospital, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017

By Dan Hounsell


Just as emergency management plans must take into account steps needed to protect healthcare facilities from identified threats in a geographic location, new construction projects also need to account for such threats. In Florida, one recurring natural disaster — hurricanes — are dominant priorities in building new facilities.

Finishing touches are going on the new $43.7 million Fishermen’s Community Hospital and meet the healthcare needs of the Middle Keys. The new structure replaces the original Fishermen’s, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017. The nearly 60-year-old building was never able to reopen after the storm and was demolished to make way for the new facility.

Baptist Health designed the structure to surpass building code requirements, with the ability to withstand wind speeds of a Category 5 hurricane. Safety features include an exterior shell of cast-in-place concrete walls for building hardening, a concrete slab over the roof deck to provide a more solid structure and better wind resistance, and pilings socketed into the rock at the corners of the building that exceed those required by the city of Marathon.



June 7, 2021


Topic Area: Construction


Recent Posts

Achieving Better Treatment Spaces Through Co-Design

How a 20th Century industrial building became a safe space for youth seeking mental health support.


Prisma Health to Acquire 36 Urgent Care Sites in South Carolina from Novant Health

Following the close, expected November 1, 2026, the centers will operate under Prisma Health Urgent Care.


Modoc Medical Center Discloses Data Breach

Modoc reported the event to federal law enforcement and appropriate government regulators.


Creating Healthcare Campus Master Plans That Allow Movement and Respite

A thoughtful campus master plan looks beyond buildings to the corridors and transitional spaces that shape how people experience healthcare environments.


Aspirus Health Celebrates Opening of Chippewa Falls Hospital and Clinic

The new facility combines hospital and clinic services in one location and is designed to support patients with coordinated, patient-centered care.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.