Memorial Hospital celebrated a significant milestone on Friday, October 10, 2025, with the topping-out ceremony for its new patient tower, a tradition marking the placement of the highest structural beam. The event brought together board members, construction partners, health system leadership, hospital associates and community supporters to recognize the progress on this transformative project.
“This is a visual sign of our commitment to the community,” said John Martin, Beacon Health System Board of Directors Chair. “Our mission at Beacon is to deliver outstanding care, inspire health and connect with heart, and this project represents another big step in serving the healthcare needs of our community.”
Memorial Hospital President Larry Tracy reflected on the long journey that led to this milestone moment. The tower project began in 2019, well before anyone could have imagined the challenges of a global pandemic. Since then, the team has navigated everything from major infrastructure changes — like relocating power and water systems — to temporarily moving the hospital’s cardiac and intensive care units, all while maintaining full hospital operations.
Larry emphasized the teamwork and dedication that made it all possible, giving a special shoutout to Lenex Steel Fabrication and Ben Hur Construction. “Iron workers have a very special place in my heart,” he shared, noting how his own father and grandfather worked in the same trade.
With the structure now reaching its peak, the next phase will focus on enclosing the building and preparing for the hospital’s opening in late 2026. “It’s a great time to pause, appreciate the progress, and look ahead to what’s coming next,” Larry said.
Eric Radloff, Vice President of Private Health Care for the Walsh Group, spoke about how the topping out moment represents more than a construction milestone: “We’re not just building a building, we’re building hope, healing and a stronger, healthier future for everyone who walks through these doors,” he said.
He also shared remarkable statistics about the project’s scope:
- Over 177,000 trade hours worked on site
- 6,300 lineal feet of foundation piles drilled
- 3,200 cubic yards of concrete placed
- 2,350 tons of structural steel erected
The ceremony ended with a blessing from Sarah Samson, Memorial Hospital Spiritual Care Coordinator, who reflected on the 1,088 days since the groundbreaking and asked for continued blessings on the workers, staff and community members who will be impacted by this new facility.
“We have so much behind us and so much ahead,” Sarah said. “May you each be blessed today and many days after today. You are a gift.”
