North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Atrium Health has reached a construction milestone in its $130-million expansion of Atrium Health Cabarrus, marking the completion of the main structural framework for a new patient care tower.
The health-care provider recently held a topping-out ceremony, placing the final steel beam atop the structure. The expansion is expected to be completed in early 2028. The project will add three storeys and more than 89,000 square feet to the existing heart and vascular tower, creating 90 additional inpatient beds, including 30 intensive care unit beds.
The expansion is intended to increase inpatient capacity and support growing demand for specialized cardiovascular care across Cabarrus County and the surrounding region.
It will also support Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, which was ranked No. 1 in North Carolina for cardiology and heart and vascular surgery by U.S. News & World Report.
“Cabarrus County continues to experience tremendous growth, and Atrium Health is committed to ensuring our communities have access to nationally recognized care close to home,” said Asha Rodriguez, president of Atrium Health Cabarrus.
The expansion is part of a broader series of investments by Atrium Health, which is part of Advocate Health.
Earlier this year, the organization opened a freestanding emergency department in Concord with 10 rooms, including a trauma room, and advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment. Atrium Health also recently announced a $340-million investment in behavioural health care, including a new hospital in the University City area of Charlotte.
A topping-out ceremony traditionally marks the placement of the final structural beam, often signed by construction crews, employees and project leaders, signifying completion of a building’s main framework.