MAY 28, 2015 - LAWRENCE, MA—“With the wielding of these shovels today,” proclaimed Lawrence General Hospital Board Chair Matthew Caffrey, “We commit to providing a surgical facility that matches the caliber and capabilities of the surgeons and staff who will work inside it!” Dignitaries turned earth today at the site of the Merrimack Valley’s newest, most modern surgical center.
“We are marking the official start of the most ambitious capital project in this hospital’s history. Today we mark the investment of $56 million in the health of this community,” president and CEO, Dianne Anderson told the crowd of attendees. “The most modern surgical facility in the valley will be in operation here on this site--taking care of our friends and family within a mere 18 months.”
On hand to participate in the festivities was Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, along with Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera, and elected statehouse representatives Senator Barbara L’Italien and Representatives Frank Moran and Diana DiZoglio. US Congresswoman Niki Tsongas and Senator Elizabeth Warren, as well as State Representative Marcos Devers, sent staff representatives to mark the occasion.
“It’s a privilege to celebrate this groundbreaking with the Lawrence community as we mark a major milestone in the hospital's history and future. Families across the Merrimack Valley will undoubtedly benefit from the new surgical capacity and additional patient space that is set to provide state of the art care and support for this region,” stated Lt. Governor, Karyn Polito.
“This is an exciting day not only for Lawrence General, but for the City of Lawrence,” said Mayor Daniel Rivera. “This long overdue surgical expansion brings world class healthcare and modern surgical equipment to our city. I commend Lawrence General Hospital on their tireless efforts and vision on this project that will Make Lawrence Better.”
The new surgical center is part of an ambitious Master Facility Plan at the 140-year old hospital that is simultaneously modernizing inpatient space at the hospital, upgrading infrastructure, and creating more private patient rooms at a cost of an additional $17 million. The total cost of the renovation and new construction at the growing health care system’s Lawrence campus is $73 million dollars. The plan is being funded through a creative mix of traditional financing, New Market Tax Credit funding through Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation and Bank of America, and community-supported philanthropy. The project is being managed by Leggat McCall Properties LLC, and Bond Construction is the general contractor for the project, which is designed by Morris Switzer Environments for Health. The project has the goal of providing work for many local subcontractors and minority owned businesses in the Merrimack Valley.