Soldiers, airmen and their family members are one step closer to enhanced medical services with the ground breaking, Jan. 23, of the first phase of a two-part expansion project for the hospital at Fort Stewart, Ga., courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District.

Story by Kristin Mack

The $23.1 million project, awarded to prime contractor McCarthy Building Co. of Saint Louis, Mo., includes a 65,000 square foot expansion and 1,000 square foot alteration to the existing 360,000 square-foot medical facility. The project is scheduled for completion in June 2013.

The Winn Army Community Hospital is a comprehensive health facility that serves approximately 25,000 service members and families who live and work in the Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield areas. Winn Army Community Hospital is operated by the Army’s Medical Command.

The addition will provide offices for physical and occupational therapy, orthopedic outpatient clinic, podiatry outpatient clinic, and behavioral health and social work services. Supporting facilities include utilities, site improvements, information systems, parking, landscaping and temporary facilities. Three buildings were demolished to make way for the addition.

“Our soldiers, retirees, and their families deserve the best medical care possible,” said Lt. Col. David T. London, deputy commander of the Savannah District. “These updated facilities will accommodate new and evolving technologies, provide a healing environment, and empower patients and families.”

The contract provides opportunities for subcontractors and suppliers. Prime contractors can be located anywhere in the country, but they rely on local subcontractors to complete work such as painting, roofing, masonry, concrete work, glass, and drywall.

“Hiring locally makes the prime’s work less costly and more efficient,” said Corps Resident Engineer at Fort Stewart, Troy Funk. “Currently, there are 30 people doing electrical, storm and sanitary sitework and carpentry, working on this project. At peak there will be 100-125 personnel on site.”

The second phase of the project is set to be awarded later this year and will include an emergency room addition and extensive renovation of the existing hospital.

Like all Army construction, the altered portion of the hospital will achieve the Silver rating criteria established by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system, in accordance with the U.S. Green Building Council standards. Eco-friendly features include the use of energy-efficient building materials, lighting and ventilation systems.