February 2, 2010 - The construction process has appeared quiet over the last several months. During this time, much activity has occurred, resulting in construction documents being released for bid in January. These bids will be received and opened on February 11, 2010. A smaller package of work relating to preparatory activities will hold a bid opening on February 4, 2010. Both of these bid packages will be reviewed, and a recommendation to accept a proposal will be heard by the Hospital Board of Trustees at their February meeting. This recommendation and acceptance will then be forwarded to the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Rural Development (USDA-RD) for concurrence. If previous items are a guide, this process will take two to three weeks.

With USDA-RD concurrance, a Prime General Contract can be signed and the loan can be closed. This timeline will result in work beginning on site in late March or early April. The first phase of the project will be the construction of the addition as well as preparation for and renovation of the west portion of the first floor. In addition, a new chiller plant will be installed during the 2010-11 winter. This phase is scheduled for completion in April 2011.

Many areas of the Hospital will be affected during the construction process. The final result will be a very worthwhile building to serve the needs of our community. Departments being upgraded or expanded include Surgery, Outpatient, Health Information Services, Oncology, Sleep/EEG, Human Resources and Radiology. Included in the project will be a new air-cooled chiller plant replacing the current water-cooled chiller. This will allow for easier transitions between heating and cooling.

The project is expected to take 18 months to complete.

For more information, contact the Community Relations Department at (219) 866-5141, extension 2130.

This site will provide updates throughout the construction process, as well as photographs.

Click here to view a diagram of the site plan.

The new Office Building, September 2009. The payment drop box is located to the east of the building.
The Community Relations Department and the Hospital's Foundation is located in the new Office Building.
The Cashier area of the Patient Accounts Department.
Accounts Payable.
Office Building Lobby.
The new South parking lot.
The new North parking lot.