Construction Begins for Delbert Day Cancer Institute
ROLLA, Mo. — McCarthy Building Companies, based in St. Louis, broke ground broke ground on a new, $31 million cancer center in Rolla on April 20.
The Delbert Day Cancer Institute at Phelps County Regional Medical Center (PCRMC) will be a 37,000-square-foot comprehensive cancer care facility. The cancer institute will occupy the first two floors of a new four-story, 100,470-square-foot building at the north end of the main hospital and will be connected to the adjacent medical office building via a pedestrian bridge. More than 63,470 square feet of shelled medical office space will be included in the new facility.
“The Delbert Day Cancer Institute brings us one step closer in our multi-year plan to provide industry-leading healthcare utilizing the latest proven technologies,” said Bill Leaders, administrative director of facility and support services for PCRMC, in a statement. “We know McCarthy will deliver this new facility successfully to our community just like they have on previous projects for PCRMC.”
The cancer institute will include radiation therapies, PET/CT imaging, infusion therapy, medical oncology and supporting lab and pharmacy ancillary services. PCRMC worked with former and current cancer patients who provided their input on what they want to see in their health care environment to maximize their comfort, healing and recovery. PCRMC used this feedback to develop an effective design of the new cancer institute. The center will also have access to clinical trials. PCRMC will continue to participate in the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Community Clinical Oncology Program which connects patients and physicians with NCI-sponsored new treatments and clinical trials for drugs.
In addition, the center will be outfitted to offer introductory treatments and clinical experimental trials. Physicians will also have the opportunity to learn and contribute to clinical research.
The architecture of the cancer institute includes a curving glass exterior and a green roof. PCRMC first announced the creation of the Delbert Day Cancer Institute in 2011 with initial funding coming from Day’s son and daughter-in-law, Ted and Kim Day.
In addition to the lobby and registration, the first floor includes retail space, a health café, education space and a community center – all adjacent and open to the exterior healing garden. At the second floor, both infusion services and the medical oncology clinic enjoy the view to the intensive green roof atop the two accelerator vaults.
“We are excited to continue our relationship with Phelps County Regional Medical Center and help them reach their goals in providing the residents of southern Missouri with exceptional health facilities closer to home,” said McCarthy Director Tate Jacobitz in a statement. “We’re on board with PCRMC all the way and hope to exceed their expectations so they can focus on what they do best — taking care of their patients.”
The estimated construction duration for the Cancer Institute is 18 months for a targeted completion of October 2016. BSA Life Structures of St. Louis is the project architect.