Caption: The joint venture team of Gilbane Building Company and F.A. Wilhelm Construction hosted the events as part of a broader effort to celebrate safety, collaboration, and progress on what is one of the largest healthcare construction projects in the state’s history. | Photo Credit: Courtesy of Gilbane Building Company
By Lindsey Coulter
INDIANAPOLIS — Workers, project leaders, and trade partners gathered last month to mark two major milestones at the site of Indiana University Health’s new Downtown Indianapolis Hospital: Construction Safety Week and the topping-out ceremony for the 2.5 new million-square-foot facility.
The joint venture team of Gilbane Building Company and F.A. Wilhelm Construction hosted the events as part of a broader effort to celebrate safety, collaboration, and progress on what is one of the largest healthcare construction projects in the state’s history. The new hospital will significantly expand the medical campus to meet the needs of future patient care and help the hospital attract top medical and research professionals. It also will combine services at Methodist and University hospitals, resulting in an estimated $50 million annual savings in operating costs. The project will span 44 acres and include 50 operating rooms and 380 outpatient exam rooms built by a team of approximately 500 construction workers.
“Safety is more than a protocol—it’s a mindset,” said Tim St. Clair, executive director of design and construction at IU Health, in a statement. “Construction Safety Week reminds us that every beam raised and every milestone reached is possible when we prioritize the well-being of every person on site. This team has done an exceptional job living that commitment every day.”
Held May 5–9, Construction Safety Week followed the national theme “All in Together – Plan. Own. Commit.” The initiative included safety demonstrations and the signing of the commemorative steel beam, which later became the centerpiece of the week’s culminating event: the topping-out ceremony.
“Reaching the topping-out milestone is a proud moment for our entire team,” said Aaron Perry, project director with Gilbane Building, in a statement. “It reflects years of hard work, coordination, and a shared dedication to safety and quality. We’re honored to build a facility that will serve the community for generations.”
The topping-out tradition included raising a signed steel beam adorned with an American flag and a small evergreen tree, signifying good luck and continued safety. Project leaders praised the culture of care and collaboration that has taken root among the more than 1,000 workers on site.
“This week was a celebration of what makes construction great—people coming together with purpose,” said Chris Ramsey, site safety manager with F.A. Wilhelm, in a statement. “From safety talks to the beam signing, every moment reinforced our culture of respect, responsibility, and relentless focus on doing things the right way.”
Gilbane and Wilhelm are leading construction on IU Health’s flagship hospital, which is expected to redefine the downtown Indianapolis skyline and become a central hub for advanced patient care. The facility will feature state-of-the-art clinical services, patient-centered design, and increased capacity to serve a growing population across Indiana.
Founded in 1870, Gilbane is a privately held construction and facility management firm with offices worldwide, including a strong presence in Indiana. The company specializes in healthcare, education, and complex infrastructure projects.
F.A. Wilhelm Construction, headquartered in Indianapolis, brings more than a century of experience in managing high-impact construction across the Midwest and beyond. The firm is known for taking on challenging builds and fostering long-term relationships rooted in trust and craftsmanship.
Construction on the new IU Health hospital is expected to continue through 2027.
