DPR Rodgers Celebrates Milestone with Atrium Health CMC Main Bed Tower Topping Out

DPR Rodgers (DPRR) proudly celebrated the topping out of the new Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center Main Bed Tower project on December 3rd. This significant milestone marks a pivotal moment in the construction of a 1.1 million-square-foot expansion at Atrium Health’s Main campus, poised to significantly enhance care for the Charlotte community. DPR Construction, Rodgers’ longest standing and oldest joint venture partner, dates back to the late 1990s when it was known as Harden Construction. This deep-rooted partnership has fostered a strong collaborative spirit that has propelled numerous successful projects over the decades. 

A Legacy of Care Expanded 

The 12-story state-of-the-art expansion introduces a variety of new facilities designed to meet the complex needs of modern healthcare: 

• Nearly 450 Patient Rooms: Designed to accommodate more patients with enhanced care.

• Over 50 Operating and Procedure Rooms: Equipped for a wide range of medical procedures and emergencies. 

• Emergency Department: A new, cutting-edge facility to handle urgent care needs efficiently. 

• Rooftop Helipad: For quicker, more efficient patient transportation in critical situations. 

• Teammate Health and Well-being: Dedicated spaces on each floor for staff to recharge and maintain their well-being. 

• Connectivity Enhancements: New pedestrian bridges and walkways improve access across campus. 

• Community Green Spaces: A calming outdoor respite along the renovated greenway provides a peaceful escape for patients, visitors, and the community. 

A Tradition Honored and a Future Anticipated 

The Topping Out ceremony, a time-honored tradition in the construction industry, was marked by the placement of the final steel beam adorned with the American flag. Nearly 1,000 people attended the event, which not only celebrated the structural completion but also the collaborative spirit that has defined the project. During the ceremony, individual headsets and live translation services were provided for all Spanish-speaking attendees, reflecting our commitment to engaging all community members.

During the ceremony, the DPRR team awarded special plaques to the trade partners in recognition of their hard work and dedication to the overall project. This gesture acknowledged the crucial role played by teams from SteelFab Inc., Carolina Structural Welding, Metrolina Steel Erectors, Lithko Contracting, LLC, and Heede Southeast, Inc., highlighting their exceptional contributions to the project to reach this milestone event. 

Attendees included Atrium’s administration, project managers from Meadows & Ohly and Storey Program Management, and design teams from NBBJ, Walter P Moore, WSP, and Kimley Horn. John DeLony, Vice President Construction Operations at Rodgers, reflected on the journey, saying, “The Bed Tower project is an amazing endeavor based on its size, scale, and complexity. When completed, it will significantly enhance Atrium Health’s ability to provide health, hope, and healing for the greater Charlotte community.” 

Leaving Our Mark: Personal Touches to the Construction Journey 

In the weeks leading up to the topping out ceremony, a special initiative called the “beam signing roadshow” allowed Atrium Health team members from various departments to personally engage with the construction process. Ceremonial beams were transported to different locations around the campus, where employees and trade partners were invited to sign them, leaving their mark on a project that promises to transform healthcare in their community. 

Additionally, a section of the basement wall was painted white to serve as a canvas for the workforce to sign and “leave their mark.” These signatures in the basement and on the beams will stand as a lasting tribute to the collective effort and personal commitment of the entire team. 

As we move closer to the completion of this transformative project, DPRR remains committed to not just constructing buildings but laying down the foundation for a legacy of healthcare excellence that will serve the Charlotte community for generations. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make strides in this transformative project.

View a video of the placement of the final beam here!