Almost two years ago, HMC Architects delivered renderings for a new Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital that inspired widespread hope and enthusiasm for a top-of-the-line healthcare facility in Willowbrook.
Those plans no longer are just pictures on a drawing board.
The County Board of Supervisors voted yesterday to award a $165 million contract for the Inpatient Tower Project at the Martin Luther King Jr. Medical Center, meaning contractor Hensel Phelps can begin construction of the new 120-bed hospital.
“After today, the shovel goes in the ground and the building commences for a cutting edge healthcare facility,” said Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.
Some 194,000 square feet of the existing six-story tower will be renovated to build the new hospital. A new 25,000-square-foot ancillary building will be constructed adjacent to the hospital and will house a cafeteria and administrative offices. In addition, the project includes new equipment, renovation and seismic upgrades to the existing central plant that will serve both the Inpatient Tower and the Multi-Service Ambulatory Care Center on the MLK Campus.
In an effort to optimize energy efficiency, the Dept. of Public Works will work with Hensel Phelps to include sustainable design features. The new buildings will be designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification standards.
“We are making a commitment,” Mr. Ridley-Thomas said, “to not only provide the community with the best health care, but we are making an investment in our community’s environmental well-being and future.”
Ms. Moon may be contacted at smoon@bos.lacounty.gov
