Aspirus to begin $31.1M expansion of Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital
LAURIUM, Mich. (WLUC) – Aspirus Health has announced a $31.1 million expansion project at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital.
According to a press release from the health system, the initiative, which will improve efficiency, access, and the patient experience, underscores Aspirus’ dedication to addressing the growing health care needs in the Keweenaw and surrounding areas.
Aspirus says onsite work is scheduled to begin in June, with an estimated completion date of March 2027.
The general contractor for the project is Miron Construction Co. Inc. and the architect is HGA Architecture, Inc.
Plans for the project include:
- 28,000 square-foot expansion
- Comprehensive modernization of the hospital by relocating all services currently housed in the 1920s-era building to a new, state-of-the-art addition
- Redesign of inpatient rooms to better meet current and future healthcare needs
- State-of-the-Art imaging, lab and pharmacy services centrally localized to better serve the community
“The 1920s building has served us well for over 100 years, but it’s time to take the next step,” said Sherry Bunten, Interim President, Michigan Region. “By relocating all services under one roof, we’re not only modernizing our facility—we’re enhancing the patient experience and positioning ourselves to better meet the healthcare needs of today and tomorrow.”
The building will be torn down after the expansion is complete, according to Aspirus Michigan Regional Chief Nursing Officer Natalie Seaber.
Aspirus is dedicated to innovating and transforming its care models and processes. This approach ensures that the system continues to deliver excellent, compassionate care that meets evolving community needs.
“This investment is about shaping the future of healthcare in our community,” Bunten said. “By expanding local services and supporting economic growth, we’re building a healthier, stronger future for the Keweenaw.”
“Even though we haven’t seen great growth in the Upper Peninsula, we are seeing more need for more senior services,” Seaber said. “Cardiology, especially orthopedic, especially during the winter with our multiple winter sports.”
This project comes on the heels of the hospital’s shutdown of labor and delivery services in December and the closure of the Ontonagon hospital this time last year. However, according to Seaber, this project has been a “number of years” in the making.
“We’ve really been working with Aspirus and our corporate leaders to help us with one, the planning, but also what the future’s going to look like,” Seaber added. “It’s so important with the ever-changing health care climate that we’re really focusing on not only what we need today but what we’re going to need 10 years down the road.”
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