Nemours and Skanska Celebrate Topping Out of New Children’s Hospital

Nemours, along with Skanska USA Building Inc., construction manager for the Nemours Children’s Hospital (NCH) project, today held a topping out ceremony to celebrate significant progress on a vision to improve health care for children and families in Central Florida by placing the final beam on the superstructure. The event was held at the construction site in Lake Nona’s Medical City.

The topping out ceremony marks yet another historic milestone for Central Florida families and children from around the world that will come to the hospital for care. A topping out ceremony is a common tradition that recognizes the skill of the craftsmen and summons good fortune for the project. The final beam traveled to all four Nemours Florida sites including the Jacksonville, Orlando and Pensacola clinics as well as the Home Office and was signed by Nemours Associates, Skanska employees and contractors.

The occasion was celebrated with a carnival-themed festival for the families of all involved with the project. Activities enjoyed by children included a petting zoo, a rock climbing wall, face painting, balloon animals, a dunk tank, an obstacle course and photos with a fire truck.

“This structure is the embodiment of an idea, that we can and will improve health care for children in Central Florida and beyond. Today we are one step closer to making that dream into a reality.” said Roger Oxendale, president and CEO of Nemours Children’s Hospital, during the ceremony. “We have a great partnership with Skanska, and I look forward to gathering on this site with you in 2012 when we open our hospital doors to children and families.”

Skanska has a tremendous international and national reputation for building truly innovative structures, and the Central Florida team brings strong health care facility experience to the project including a proven track record in LEED® certification. Andy Allen, a project executive with Skanska on the NCH project, said, “Today is a celebration of the craftsmen and their hard work in making this a highly successful project. May our event bring us continued prosperity as we work to finish this instrument of hope and healing.”

The 630,000-square-foot children’s hospital, located in the heart of Lake Nona’s Medical City, will include 95 beds and serve as the core of a 60-acre pediatric health campus featuring a children’s clinic, emergency department, diagnostic and ambulatory programs along with education and research centers. Nemours plans to open the $380 million hospital in 2012.

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