Phase I of Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center’s $171 million renovation and expansion project, which officially kicked off in October 2018, is nearing completion, as the hospital prepares to begin the construction process for its new patient tower.

The project, being completed by DPR Construction, will include the renovation of approximately 262,436 square feet of existing space and the replacement of approximately 228,691 square feet of space.

Phase I is scheduled for completion this spring and includes the expansion of a new patient unit on an existing hospital tower known as Prince Tower Two, located near the corner of Prince and King avenues.

Once this unit is complete, the construction team will begin work on replacing the hospital’s 1919 Tower, which is located on Talmadge Drive. The 1919 Tower is currently the oldest section of the hospital, built 100 years ago.

“Our new patient tower will replace old patient areas in our hospital and provide state-of-the-art equipment that will ultimately provide a better experience for our patients and better serve our community,” said Diane Todd, executive director of operations at Piedmont Athens Regional.

When complete, the tower will stand six stories with a basement level. It is intended to bring a sense of healing and connection to the Piedmont Athens Regional campus, as well as provide a community-feel with a clean and modern look, according to Todd.

“Piedmont Athens Regional is focused on developing a hospital that provides the best care and experience for our patients and visitors, as well as the best working environment for our providers and staff, and this new tower helps us achieve this,” said Todd. ”It will also improve both vehicle and pedestrian circulation around the campus and simplify patient arrival, wayfinding and access, with a main objective of improving delivery of patient care and operational efficiency.”

Aside from new patient and staff areas, the new tower will also include a retail pharmacy, café and resource center for patients and visitors.

As Phase I nears completion, Todd says Piedmont Athens Regional will begin moving patient care areas that are currently located in the 1919 Tower over to the new patient unit build on Prince Tower Two.

Piedmont Athens Regional also plans to continue to work closely with Athens-Clarke County officials and DPR Construction to minimize impact on the neighborhood and community.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2022.