Progress Report: Project site excavation now underway

What small shovelfuls of sand signaled on a warm December morning is now coming to pass with much larger shovels.

This labor of love – construction of a new, seven-story children’s tower – started with a sunny, confetti-strewn groundbreaking ceremony Dec. 1, 2017. After weeks of wet, wintry weather, site excavation has begun on the pediatrics tower project adjacent to Batson Children’s Hospital.

Site excavation, foundation and road work will continue for the next four to six months, said Patrick Casey, executive director of UMMC’s Office of Planning, Design and Construction.

The $180 million project also will house the Children’s Heart Center – which represents the Medical Center’s pediatric cardiovascular program – and an outpatient pediatric specialty clinic.