Project shifts into high gear with concrete and steel soon to be set in York
At 227 feet, the tallest structure in York is the fixed tower crane being used to advance the WellSpan York Hospital expansion to the next level of construction. One of the largest cranes in the mid-Atlantic, the hammerhead crane rises nearly 23 stories above the ground, rivaling some of the tallest buildings across central Pennsylvania. It’s being used to erect a new eight-story surgical and critical care tower that will make WellSpan York Hospital a destination for those seeking advanced specialty care.
“While the crane is certainly a sight to see, we know what it really means for our patients: that we’re one step closer to opening a facility that matches the high-quality skill of the teams that provide lifesaving care every day at WellSpan York Hospital,” said Victoria Diamond, senior vice president of WellSpan Health’s central region. “It’s exciting to see the progress play out in front of our eyes each day, knowing how important this hospital is to our community and what we’re building for the future.”
The crane, most recently used in a hospital construction project in Philadelphia, arrived to the site in multiple pieces on trucks earlier this week and has since been assembled to the height that it will maintain through its use in the project. At its capacity, the crane can lift up to 23,000 pounds. Unique to this project, the base of the crane is anchored to the ground, as opposed to being attached to the new structure and growing with it. That required advanced planning and extensive foundation work to secure the unit. The crane is from Morrow Equipment, the largest crane rental company in North America. W.O. Grubb is the subcontractor assembling the tower crane with the Kinsley Construction team operating the crane.
The new tower at WellSpan York Hospital will feature larger, state-of-the-art surgical suites; the newest robotic surgical and advanced medical technology; expanded pre- and post-operative care areas; and dedicated spaces that support cardiovascular, neurology, and trauma care. Additional intensive care unit rooms will include space for families to stay with their loved ones and offer improved privacy and comfort for families and visitors.
Overall, the expansion consists of more than 248,000 square feet of new space and 32,000 square feet of renovated space. When completed, the hospital will feature more than 600 beds, making it one of the largest hospitals in Pennsylvania. The addition is expected to be ready for use by early 2027. Total investment in the project is estimated at $427 million and will ultimately support the creation of approximately 500 jobs in the region’s healthcare sector.
WellSpan York Hospital was founded in 1880 in downtown York and relocated its current location in 1929. Nearly 5,000 people work on the almost 28-acre campus, making WellSpan Health the largest employer in York County and a major economic engine contributing over $1.8 billion annually to the area’s economy.
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