Hammes Celebrates the Completion of the New Patient Tower at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
Hammes, a national leader in real estate consulting, development, investment, and management, recently celebrated a significant milestone with the final move into the new patient tower at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center in Marietta, Georgia. This development, spanning approximately 300,000 square feet and encompassing nine stories, represents a notable enhancement in hospital capacity and specialty care, ultimately improving the patient experience throughout the region.
The new tower has introduced 241 additional patient beds, facilitating crucial service lines such as cardiology, neurology, oncology, surgery, and a newly designed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Designed with modern technology tailored to support healing, it encompasses dedicated units for cardiac critical care, surgical care, neurological care, and medical oncology. This strategic design allows healthcare teams to provide advanced treatment solutions in specialized environments, actively meeting the unique needs of each specialty area.
The phased approach to patient relocation was meticulously planned to ensure a seamless transition while maintaining continuity of care. Patients began to receive services in the new tower as early as April, with the final moves concluding on July 22, marking the full operational status of the tower. This included the relocation of the hospital's NICU, as well as patients from various units including the intermediate care unit (IMCU) and oncology departments. A standout feature of this expansion is the 49-bed NICU equipped with cutting-edge monitoring technology, dedicated to enhancing care for the hospital's most fragile patients and their families.
Emphasizing family-centered care, the tower has also integrated a dedicated entrance for Women and Children, which not only improves access but reinforces Wellstar's commitment to supportive and comprehensive healthcare. Additionally, the project includes a state-of-the-art 23,000-square-foot central kitchen, pivotal in implementing a new “on-demand” delivery model catering to the needs of patients, visitors, and hospital staff alike.
Wade Milligan, Regional Vice President of Hammes Healthcare, stated, "The size, scale, and complexity of this project demanded comprehensive planning and coordination among construction teams, clinical staff, and logistical operations. Hammes is honored to have played a role in bringing this vital new tower into operation."
In collaboration with JEDunn as the construction manager and architectural insights from HKS and CDH Partners, this new patient tower stands as a testament to continued investments in healthcare infrastructure aimed at elevating the quality of service and support for patients.
Founded in 1991, Hammes is recognized for its expertise in healthcare real estate strategy and project management. With a prolonged legacy of garnering accolades, the firm has been consistently ranked among the top healthcare developers in the country, reinforcing its commitment to building and managing healthcare facilities that are poised for future demands. The successful completion of the Wellstar Kennestone's new patient tower marks yet another achievement for Hammes in its ongoing mission to enhance healthcare delivery across the United States.
For further information, visit
Hammes.