New UPMC Pinnacle Memorial Hospital Achieves Major Construction Milestone

By Roxanne Squires

YORK, Pa. — Nearly 200 guests joined at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Pinnacle Memorial Hospital to applaud a milestone in the construction of the future hospital, with the last steel beam for the frame of the building being hoisted into place atop the building’s fifth level on May 11.

UPMC Pinnacle officials shared highlights of the project and what the future hospital will mean for the York community. Attendees included hospital employees, physicians, volunteers, elected local representatives, community leaders and representatives from the project’s architectural, construction and contracting teams.

“UPMC Pinnacle Memorial will be the first new facility in our region that will incorporate the full range of advantages and benefits from our network,” said Philip Guarneschelli, president and CEO of UPMC Pinnacle, in a statement. “York will have a state-of-the-art hospital and health campus right here in their own backyard. From advanced technology and additional services that will enable residents to receive the care they need without having to leave the area to a campus promoting health and wellness — the future of healthcare is now.”

The hospital signed on Canadian firm Stantec alongside York-based engineering firm Barton Associates Inc. as the design team to the new 130-bed, 220,000-square foot hospital. The hospital also hired Hampden Township-based firm Dawood Engineering Inc. with Quandel Construction Group of Harrisburg, Pa. as the construction manager. In addition to the hospital, there will be a 75,000-square-foot office building with space for surgical and oncological work, imaging, medical offices and other support services for the main hospital. The complex will have 524 parking spaces.

UPMC Pinnacle Memorial Hospital will provide integrated healthcare platforms that will expand both the service line capacity and will allow access to state-of-the-art technology, including cardiovascular catheterization labs as well as a surgical platform capable of robotic and heart surgery. Furthermore, a labor delivery unit will be able to ensure the patients and family remain in one room for their entire stay, supported by a nursery and c-section room. The healthcare facility works toward a patient-first concept from the enclosed treatment rooms in the 28-room emergency department, to the all private patient rooms with scenic views over this 100-acre health campus, covered with walking trails to encourage wellness for staff, visitors and the community as a whole.

With the hospital situated upon the crest of a hill, the new hospital will offer expansive views as well as a heightened visibility from the neighboring communities. This design helps optimize natural light and scenic views, supporting the healing environment desired by the hospital and team. The entry system and public spaces have all been carefully placed around a garden as well as organized clinical spaces to boost staff efficiency. Bookending the healing garden, light-filled lobbies on each floor provide a visual connection back to the garden, while a five-story back-painted glass wall will act as a beacon when entering the campus.

According to Megan Holmes, senior principal at Stantec, articulation of the façade draws inspiration from the industrial heritage of York, while a soothing palette of natural tones and materials provides respite for the building interior.

“We have a collaborative partnership with this client that has carried us through multiple projects over the years,” said Holmes, as she explained what the team is proudest of working on this project. “This facility design is a result of trust and respect for each other’s organizations that allow us to collaboratively push the boundaries of what can be achieved with each new project. It’s inspirational to be part of a team that can accomplish this type of positive impact in the York community,”

The building is anticipated to open to the public in August 2019.