Boston-based construction management firm Walsh Brothers, Inc. alongside Partners HealthCare, architect Perkins + Will, subcontractors and Spaulding Rehab Hospital staff members, recently celebrated the topping out of their new hospital. The topping out ceremony commemorates the last piece of structural steel being set in place on top of the building.
The ceremony began with a beam signing, which afforded many the opportunity to pay tribute to loved ones, express excitement for the new hospital, and provide words of praise and encouragement to those who have contributed to the project. The steel I-beam was adorned with a sapling from Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital's current main campus in Boston. Once everyone had been given a chance to sign the beam and to marvel at the steel structure overlooking Boston Harbor, Spaulding president David Storto delivered a short speech. President Storto enthusiastically congratulated the project team, highlighting the successful collaboration of team members and remarked on the high level of excitement the Spaulding community has in anticipation of the new facility. To commemorate the recent passing of chairman and former president of Walsh Bros. James Walsh, III, the beam was adorned with a flag reading "J3" prior to being hoisted to the highest point in the structure where it was secured by iron workers. Now the words emblazoned on the beam will forever be a part of the new facility.
Reaching this critical project milestone was cause for great celebration by the project team, marking more than 6 years of effort since the project was formally announced. Walsh Bros. was selected to lead the construction of this new facility, a symbol of Spaulding's commitment to expanding their world-class occupational and rehabilitative program. Since the project was awarded to Walsh Bros., the project team has diligently proceeded through the regulatory and approval processes, receiving approvals from the Charlestown Neighborhood Council, Boston Redevelopment Authority, Mass. Dept. of Public Health's Public Health Council, Dept. of Environmental Protection, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The project represents a significant commitment to job growth and economic development. Ranked 4th among Rehabilitation Hospitals by U.S. News and World Report, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital has steadily built a reputation as a premier facility for rehabilitative patient care and related research. In order to meet a growing demand for its services, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, a member of Partners HealthCare, is constructing this cutting edge and eco-friendly research and interdisciplinary patient facility on Boston's waterfront. This 250,000 s/f hospital will soon feature advanced patient amenities reinforcing the Hospital's full continuum of rehabilitation treatment and care for its patients and the incorporation of sustainable strategies wherever possible. The Hospital is pursuing a LEED silver level certification in accordance with USGBC guidelines. If successful, this will be the first newly constructed hospital in New England to achieve silver level LEED. With more than a 50 year history working for Partners HealthCare, Walsh Bros. is thrilled to have been awarded the construction of this interdisciplinary rehabilitation hospital for patient care and cutting edge research in therapeutic practices.