The Wabash General Hospital Board of Directors has taken another major step toward its planned hospital expansion, approving funding for the project's final design phase.
Planning Committee Chairman John Evans told board members at their June meeting, that while construction activity is winding down on current projects, planning efforts are just beginning to accelerate for the hospital's expansion.
The board unanimously approved $3.25 million for architectural and engineering services by Farnsworth to complete the project's final design. Evans acknowledged the price tag is significant but noted the combined cost of the schematic and final design phases represents just over six percent of the overall project cost, which he said is typical for a project of this size.
Vice President of Project Management and Infrastructure Nate Stevenson said the design work keeps the hospital on track for its estimated $55 million expansion project. While a recent construction estimate came in at about $57 million, Stevenson said the figure includes several million dollars in contingency costs and officials remain confident the project can be completed within the original budget.
Stevenson said the project reached several key milestones with the completion of schematic designs and updated construction pricing.
The planning committee also received an update on a proposed new ambulance building. Current plans call for the facility to be constructed across the street, just west of the Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine building. Officials are awaiting updated cost estimates before moving forward.
The committee also discussed a potential solar energy project involving three hospital facilities. No action was taken, with Evans noting the hospital has until the end of 2027 to decide whether to proceed.
