A new patient wing and emergency room are among the highlights of a new hospital expansion construction project which began Monday morning, January 18, in Coleman.

Following a pre-construction meeting with the USDA on Thursday, January 14, Lott Brothers Construction Company, Austin, Texas, was given official notice to proceed with the construction of the new addition to Coleman County Medical Center (CCMC).

Others in attendance at the pre-construction meeting included representatives of the CCMC District, Rees Associates, Jacob & Martin Engineering and CCMC administration.  Together the project team members discussed the coordination and communication necessary to move the project forward on a timely basis.

The project is expected to take about 18 months with all components completed as early as July 2022.

“The District has been working on this for a long time,” noted Wayne Moore, CCMC District president.  “In an ordinary year, we would have planned a groundbreaking ceremony to share this momentous event with the community, but we thought it prudent to avoid any large gatherings during the pandemic,” Moore continued.  As a result, traditional groundbreaking duties were shared by only a few members of the project team along with the members of the medical staff.

Hospital staff members were invited to share in the celebration throughout the day, digging into a chocolate “dirt” cake with plastic shovel spoons.

IN THE PHOTO:   Joining Wayne Moore for groundbreaking duties are (from the left) David Longely, FNP-C, John Horner, MD, Darron Atwood, MD and J. Paul Reynolds, MD.

Heavy equipment moved in on Monday, January 18, to mobilize for sitework.  This will necessitate the permanent closure of Frio Street between West College and West Elm streets.

The entrance to the Emergency Department will remain in its current location at the back of the hospital.  Parking in the front of the hospital on Pecos Street will be reserved for patients.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience over the next 18 months while we all work to enhance the hospital facilities to better meet the needs of our patients and families,” said Clay Vogel, hospital administrator.