Detroit Medical Center awards contracts for capital projects

Detroit Medical Center wasted no time in spending Vanguard Health Systems' money, after inking a deal last week to become part of the Nashville-based for-profit health system.

DMC officials announced Tuesday, just four days after signing the deal, that it had awarded eight architectural/engineering contracts totaling more than $60 million. Of that amount, $50 million was awarded to contractors for construction management for two projects: DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan Specialty Center and a private room renovation at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital.

"What better way to start the new year than by moving forward with eight DMC construction projects?" said Michael Duggan, DMC president and CEO, in a statement.

The eight projects will be the first major renovations DMC's Detroit campus has seen in nearly 30 years.

As part of the deal, Vanguard agreed to spend $850 million on capital improvements and specific capital projects over the next five years.

Two major projects announced by DMC Tuesday included a $110 million Cardiovascular Institute and Multispecialty Building--a five-story, 150,000-square foot building--and the $77 million expansion of Sinai-Grace Hospital Emergency Department, which will double the size of the ER and add 46 new ICU beds. Both projects will start in fall 2011.

Other projects include:

  • Harper-University Hospital, Detroit, which will receive $10.7 million for major lobby renovations.
  • $23 million in surgery department renovations for Harper.
  • $8 million in unit renovations, also for Harper.
  • Detroit Receiving Hospital, which will receive $8.4 million for new operating rooms and facilities.

To learn more:
- read the DMC press release
- here's the Detroit Free Press article