PORT TOWNSEND — Construction continues at Jefferson Healthcare hospital, where crews in the past week have erected the structural steel that will support the new emergency and special services building.
The $20 million construction project is currently in phase 3, which began in October.
The emergency and special services building is tentatively slated to be ready in mid-to-late 2016.
The first portion of phase 3 included pouring the foundations and footers for the new building.
The work is being performed by Aldrich+Associates of Bothell.
The first phase, which began in May, concentrated on moving and upgrading utility lines, construction of new utility services to support the new building and reconfiguring parking lots on Ninth Street.
Rapid growth
The project is necessary because the hospital’s outpatient services are growing rapidly and the new facility is designed to accommodate future growth, hospital officials have said.
When completed, the new 50,000-square-foot building will change access to the hospital, moving the main entrance to the Sheridan Street side.
It will include an expanded emergency department, an orthopedic clinic and an improved and dedicated cardiology services space supporting the latest in cardiac test procedures.
Also planned is a modern cancer-treatment center and infusion-services area where patients will have access to water views while receiving chemotherapy treatment.
A comprehensive women’s imaging center with state-of-the-art 3-D mammography, ultrasound and bone-density scanning equipment also is part of the plan.
And, when completed early next year, patients and visitors will have access to freshly prepared food made from scratch at the hospital’s renovated kitchen.
After a six-month delay, the kitchen is likely to reopen in mid-February.
After being closed in mid-June, the kitchen had been scheduled to be completed and reopened and in production Aug. 28.
However, unforeseen construction issues arose, delaying the opening date until at least February, Arran Stark, executive chef, has said.
Construction crews have demolished and are rebuilding about one-quarter of the kitchen area, he said.
Once completed, the new kitchen will incorporate energy-efficient appliances, new and larger refrigeration units, an updated cooking area, fresh paint and resealed floors, Stark said.
While the kitchen remains closed for expansion and renovations, the hospital’s cafe — offering a limited “grab-and-go” menu — is still open and includes a seating area.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Chris McDaniel can be reached at 360-681-2390, ext. 5052, or cmcdaniel@peninsuladailynews.com.
