Sarasota Memorial unveils foundation of nine-story tower

The ground rattled beneath as a 200-ton crane, concrete pump truck and drill pier rig operated on the newest addition to Sarasota Memorial Hospital — a nine-story Courtyard Tower that replaces the oldest wings of the  hospital.

It is the largest construction job at Sarasota Memorial in half a century.

The hospital marked an important milestone today as staff, doctors, volunteers, philanthropists and community leaders gathered for the official breaking ground ceremony. Sarasota Memorial Hospital CEO Gwen MacKenzie, Mayor Kelly Kirschner, Hospital Board Chair Robert Strasser and COO David Verinder shared the impact this project will have on the hospital and the community.

"The community has nurtured and supported Sarasota Memorial for nearly eight decades," said SMH CEO Gwen MacKenzie. "Although all of us today have different experiences, we are all united in one goal — improving the health of this region."

The Courtyard Tower will house approximately 220 beds and replace 1950s-era patient rooms with the latest in health care technology, patient safety features and top-quality ammenities.

The construction project is expected to be completed in January 2013.

Contact Loren Mayo at [email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected].