CMH reaches milestone in $100M expansion project

A $100 million expansion project at Citizens Memorial Hospital that was announced in 2022 has reached a milestone ahead of a planned completion date next year.

The Bolivar health system has scheduled a Feb. 14 topping-out ceremony at the hospital construction entrance on North Butterfield Road, according to a news release. Such ceremonies, dating back over 1,000 years, celebrate the placement of the final or highest beam.

In the case of CMH, the ceremony recognizes both the final and highest steel beam for the expansion, said Charlotte Marsch, communications specialist for the health system.

"At CMH, the beam will be adorned with a small evergreen tree and an American flag before being lifted into place, representing wishes for the building’s strength, longevity and success," officials said in the release.

Marsch said the expansion is slated for completion early next year, with the entire project that includes the remodeling of existing space to be finalized by late 2026.

CMH broke ground in 2023 on the $100 million project, with around $84 million of that figure comprising construction costs. J.E. Dunn Construction Group Inc. is general contractor for the project designed by HMN Architects Inc.

The three-story, 117,000-square-foot expansion on the south side of campus is designed to double the hospital's size. An expanded emergency department, private medical and surgical patient rooms, and a large intensive care unit and birthing area are among plans for the space. The portion to be remodeled comprises around 25,000 square feet.