Photo: The 35,000-square-foot Aspirus Health facility in Chippewa Falls is scheduled to open in September 2026. | Photo Credit: Aspirus Health
By Lindsey Coulter
CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. — Aspirus Health has officially broken ground on a new hospital and clinic in Chippewa Falls, marking a major step in addressing critical health care gaps in the region following the closure of two major hospitals in 2024.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held Aug. 14, brought together Aspirus leaders, construction partners, and community officials to celebrate the start of the 35,000-square-foot facility on a 22-acre site along Chippewa Crossing Boulevard. The new hospital is scheduled to open in September 2026.
Aspirus officials said the project stems from significant community need and is part of a long-term plan to provide more local health care options.
“This project strengthens our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Chippewa Falls and the surrounding area — with compassion, expertise and excellence,” said Matt Heywood, President and CEO of Aspirus Health, in statement at the project’s outset. “We listened to the community, and this project directly answers what you’ve told us: you want more local health care options, and you deserve the very best.”
The region has faced a severe shortage of medical services since the closure of two major area hospitals last year, forcing residents to travel farther for emergency and inpatient care. Aspirus, which already expanded services in Stanley and Medford, determined that a new facility in Chippewa Falls would provide a sustainable solution and allow for future growth.
“We’re thrilled to expand and elevate local care while boosting the local economy,” said Jason Troxell, Aspirus Wisconsin Northwest Region President, in a statement. “We welcome the chance to connect with our neighbors as we heal people, promote health, and strengthen communities.”
The first phase of construction will feature:
- An emergency department with 10 treatment rooms
- 10 inpatient beds
- An on-site clinic with 12 treatment rooms
- Imaging services, including X-ray and CT
- Laboratory services and a pharmacy
- A helipad to support emergency transport needs
Aspirus partnered with Boldt as the general contractor and HGA as the architectural and engineering firm. Wisconsin-based REI is providing civil engineering, and Bildt, Boldt’s prefabrication and modular subsidiary, will build about 30% of the facility off-site to accelerate the timeline. Officials said modular construction will allow the hospital to open about three months sooner than traditional building methods.
The new hospital will provide flexibility to expand in future phases and will serve as a cornerstone of Aspirus’ mission to strengthen local care delivery.
“This project aligns with our mission to provide much-needed health care services to the community,” said Sid Sczygelski, Senior Vice President of Special Projects for Aspirus Health, in a statement. “We believe our experience in rural and small-city health care will enable us to serve the people of Chippewa Falls and the surrounding area with excellence and compassion.”