NARH launches largest project in its history

By Linda CarmanPrint Story | Email Story
John Cuik, left, presents the employee campaign gift of $323,000 to CARE Campaign Chairman Bruce Grinnell at Tuesday’s groundbreaking for North Adams Regional Hospital’s $20 million renovation and expansion. Dale Balawender, Cyndi Mendel and Marcia Kelley
NORTH ADAMS — Wielding gold-toned shovels and wearing yellow plastic hardhats, hospital and elected officials officially launched the construction of North Adams Regional Hospital’s $20 million expansion and renovation project Tuesday. The groundbreaking ceremony, watched by a crowd holding dripping umbrellas and others dry under a tent in front of the hospital, kicked off the largest project in the hospital’s 120-year history. The project will add nearly 20,000 square feet of new space and renovate about 30,000 square feet of existing space to create a new critical care unit, new surgical services division, new birthing center and new emergency department. In all, about one third of the hospital will be new upon completion. Hospital President Bruce Nash called the groundbreaking “a great day in the history of North Adams Regional Hospital.” Nash praised the leadership of Bruce Grinnell, chairman of the CARE campaign, which has raised $9.7 million toward its $12 million goal. John Cuik, Dale Balawender, Cyndi Mendel and Marcia Kelley presented the employee campaign gift of $323,000. Grinnell said 650 donors have contributed to the campaign to date. Physicians have contributed $740,000, and members of the hospital board of trustees and members of standing committees, $2.7 million. Twelve financial institutions have contributed a total of $1.26 million. The campaign has received three $1 million gifts, one from Williams College, a challenge grant from Jim and Joan Hunter, who gave $1 for every $2 donated, and one from Dorothy Becker, who launched the campaign with $1 million. After the ceremony, Nash said the remaining costs would be part of a $27 million hospital bond, when the hospital refinances its existing debts at a lower rate. The rate is expected to be determined this week, he said. State Sen. Andrea Nuciforo, D-Pittsfield, said over his four terms he has seen extraordinary changes in the economics of health care, particularly in the payments by government payers, the cost of drugs and long-term care. “There is an obligation for government to make sure there is adequate staff, maintenance and equipment for the hospital,” Nuciforo said. “I’ll be working as hard as I can to make sure we have enough money to operate this facility.” Mayor John Barrett III, who heads the Eileen Barrett Foundation, said that while it may take a village to raise a child, “It takes a community to raise a hospital.” Barrett recalled 1984, when Sprague Electric Co. closed its plant here with the loss of 1,800 jobs, prompting many doctors to leave. “There were efforts to change the hospital’s name to Northern Berkshire Regional Hospital” because the connotation of North Adams was so bleak, he said. The city’s revival came about not just because of the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art or because of government but also because of people’s belief in the city, he said. The new construction will benefit not only health care but also the region’s economy, Barrett said. “I’m so pleased, not only for the residents but for the future of this area,” he said. “It’s been a real community effort.” And he quipped, “At election time, I’ll take credit. I assure you of that.” The architect is DiGiorgio Associates of the Boston area, which has specialized in hospital construction and renovation projects. Completion is expected in about two years. In his opening remarks, Nash noted that the hospital was built in 1882, after two train wrecks that year left many injured and dying, underlining the need to build a hospital in North Adams. The first building, with only 11 beds, opened in March 1995, on the site, at a cost of $12,000. In 1906, the hospital dedicated the John L. Barker Male Surgical Ward, the John L. Howes Corridor for private patients and the maternity ward.
Share
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Friends of Great Barrington Libraries Holiday Book Sale

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Friends of Great Barrington Libraries invite the community to shop their annual Holiday Good-as-New Book Sale, happening now through the end of the year at the Mason Library, 231 Main Street. 
 
With hundreds of curated gently used books to choose from—fiction, nonfiction, children's favorites, gift-quality selections, cookbooks, and more—it's the perfect local stop for holiday gifting.
 
This year's sale is an addition to the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Stroll on this Saturday, Dec. 13, 3–8 PM. Visitors can swing by the Mason Library for early parking, browse the sale until 3:00 PM, then meet Pete the Cat on the front lawn before heading downtown for the Stroll's shopping, music, and festive eats.
 
Can't make the Holiday Stroll? The book sale is open during regular Mason Library hours throughout December.
 
Proceeds support free library programming and events for all ages.
View Full Story

More Stories

Sports
image description

Lee Executes Game Plan to Perfection in Quarter-Final Win

Sports
Sports
image description

Lenox Volleyball Reaches State's Final Four

Sports
Sports
image description

Mount Greylock Boys Win 3rd Straight Regional Crown

Sports
Sports
image description

Mount Greylock Girls Again Top Monson in Western Mass Final

Sports
Sports
image description

Lenox Sweeps Its Way to Western Mass Crown

Sports
Community News
image description

North Adams License Commission Sees Little Need for License...

Community News
Latest Stories
Previous Next

What's Trending?