March 6, 1997
Harborview’s new trauma center: an overview
King County and Harborview Medical Center have formally opened a new, state-of-the-art West Hospital wing that will carry the hospital forward to the 21st century. The opening represents completion of the first phase of a project that will add 440,000 square feet to the medical center, nearly doubling its size.
The project is the largest expansion in Harborview’s 120-year history, a project approved by voters in 1987 to meet the growing needs of the county and revitalize the aging hospital, much of which is now more than 65 years old. Completion of the West Hospital wing doubles the size of Harborview’s Emergency Department (ED), which serves more than 60,000 patients each year.
In addition to ED facilities, the expansion includes two new wings, allowing for consolidation of intensive care units, an updated Radiology Department, added surgery suites and outpatient clinics.
The King County design and construction team has worked with Harborview staff from more than 85 departments to build a medical center that will effectively serve the complex medical needs of the people of King County both today and in the decades to come. Harborview, owned by the citizens of King County, is physically maintained by the King County Council and Executive’s Office through the Department of Construction and Facilities Management.
Funding for the $176 million dollar project was provided by $131 million from bonds approved by voters in 1987 and previous bond issues, and $45 million from hospital reserves. Design and construction of the project is an ongoing, unique collaboration between King County and Harborview Medical Center.
Harborview Medical Center, owned by King County and managed by the University of Washington (UW), is one of two primary UW teaching hospitals. All Harborview faculty and staff are UW employees.
Design for the expansion, by Kaplan/McLaughlin/Diaz, incorporates detailed brick and cornice work that complement both Harborview’s original 1930s exterior and the character of the First Hill neighborhood. M.A. Mortenson Company is the general contractor for the three-year project.
Providing treatment to more than 160,000 patients each year, Harborview is renowned for its award-winning, quality care. It is the region’s only Level I trauma center and stands ready to treat any medical emergency 24 hours a day.
