In late February 2021, the DPR Construction team at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center marked the topping out of the healthcare provider’s new six-story ICU Tower project in Athens, GA. This milestone is part of a multi-year phase project that also included a vertical expansion, 40 enabling renovation projects, and the demolition of an existing bed tower.

“The planning, budgeting and mock-up efforts involved with enabling the work multiple years in advance required a high level of trust, collaboration, and expertise that aided in designing an acuity-adaptable patient care tower geared towards minimizing construction renovation impacts for future use scenarios,” said Brandon Scott, a DPR Project Executive.

Frank Husted, a DPR Superintendent, piloted a drone to provide an aerial view for the team on the ground during the topping-out event. “We could not be happier with the team and the progress. Athens healthcare and its skyline will be forever changed,” said Scott. Also on hand to make the final steel connection from a lift 100 ft. in the air were Michael Burnett, CEO of Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, and David Sailors, Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center Board Chair.

The project is anticipated to be completed in 2022.