The addition will consist of a seven-story tower that will connect to the main entrance of the hospital. Slated for completion in 2005, the facility will house 153 new beds, an outpatient center and additional support functions. Designed by Santa Monica-based SmithGroup, the project will encompass 204,000 sf at build-out.

As part of its contract with Providence Saint Joseph, McCarthy will also make upgrades to the existing central plant and construct new utility services.

Built in 1943, the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center is considered the largest hospital in the San Fernando Valley. The 455-bed facility will stay open during construction, which will result in the temporary rerouting of pedestrian walkways and emergency vehicle entrances.

"Our experience working with more than 75 healthcare facilities throughout the state gave us a full understanding of the logistical challenges faced when building on an operating campus," says project manager John Birch. "We bring a lot of ideas from past projects into new projects, in order to craft viable solutions."