M.A. Mortenson of Minneapolis was the general contractor on the construction. The Heart Hospital will provide new, expanded space for cardiovascular services, and a new inpatient space for neuroscience, orthopedic and spine services. The seventh and eighth floors house the $41-million Neuroscience, Orthopedics and Spine Center, including 128 private rooms designed for the specific needs of these patients, their families and the staff who care for them.

The expansion has been a "unique opportunity to go beyond a mere building project and examine the way in which we do our work," says Julianne Lapensky, director of the hospital's expansion implementation process. "Clinic patients won't have to worry about finding their way around a large hospital campus. They'll have a single check-in and complete their visit and diagnostic tests in one area."

The Heart Hospital will open for patients in stages over the next three months. The building is an expansion of the current Abbott Northwestern Hospital and is located on the east side of the campus, along 10th Avenue and south of the Piper Building.