Late 2023 Completion Still Expected

Kimball Health Services still expects its new $43.5 million hospital to be completed in late 2023, but this winter's severe weather has slowed construction work that's now past the halfway point, KHS told the Observer.

"Due to extreme cold and snow, construction crews were unable to work for seven to 10 days in the last few months, said Troy Kurz, KHS facilities director and project manager.

The new structure fills much of the city block that was home to West Elementary School for so many years.

"Approximately halfway through our projected construction schedule, Haselden Construction and their subcontractors continue to work toward a late October/early November 2023 substantial completion date," Kurz said. "This is the date in which the building is ready for all state-required inspections prior to receiving a certificate of occupancy. We expect the process of inspections and the physical move to take about 30 days."

Kurz said that "although there is not a lot of visible activity on the exterior of the building, crews are busy working on interior wall framing and infrastructure, including mechanical piping and conduit. Roofing insulation, protection board and membrane is stocked on the roof and will be progressing as weather allows. At the same time, an air and moisture barrier will be sprayed over the building's exterior sheeting."