A new $450 million patient tower is being constructed at the Torrance Memorial Medical Center in Torrance, Calif. The tower will serve as the new main tower for the center, replacing the original one built in 1971.
Healthcare Construction & Operations (HCO) reports the new facility will comply with the California Seismic Retrofit Program, in addition to increasing hospital bed capacity to accommodate the growing community.
Construction began in March 2011, and the project is scheduled for completion in fall 2014, and opening is planned for 2015. St. Louis-based McCarthy Building Companies is the general contractor, and HMC Architects of Santa Clara, Calif., is the architect, according to HCO.
A patent-focused design concept was used for the 398,350-square-foot patient tower, which will have 256 private rooms and 18 surgical and treatment rooms. The private rooms will provide accommodations for family to power personal devices and stay overnight. Additionally, the tower features family-friendly lounges and a healing garden, according to the article.
HCO reports the contractor, architect and sub trades have used a design-assist delivery method for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to reduce potential construction delays, and they continue with their collaborative efforts.
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