Boston–Boston Medical Center’s Yawkey 5 and 6 Inpatient expansion has been named one of the most significant construction projects of 2024 by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
Walsh Brothers, the project’s contractor, was awarded the Baldwin Group Build America Award for the best building renovation project valued between $76 to $125 million.
The AGC’s Baldwin Group Build America Awards honor the nation’s most notable construction achievements, and the Yawkey Inpatient expansion stood out among a competitive field for its impressive execution and impact. The awards were presented during the AGC’s annual convention in Columbus, Ohio, a key event that celebrates innovation and excellence in the construction industry.
Tom Brown, national president of the AGC and president of Sierra Pacific West, underscored the extraordinary skill and dedication required to complete such projects. “Projects like this require an unparalleled level of skill, dedication, and competence to pull off,” Brown said. “This award acknowledges, recognizes, and honors the unique accomplishments of the men and women who made this project a success.”
Transforming Boston’s Health Infrastructure
The $125 million renovation project, completed by Walsh Brothers, was designed to address the growing healthcare needs of Boston Medical Center (BMC), New England’s largest safety-net hospital and busiest trauma center. Originally built in the 1970s, the hospital needed a significant upgrade to support its aging patient population and the increasing demand for longer hospital stays.
Walsh Brothers renovated the fifth floor of the Yawkey building and added a new sixth floor, significantly expanding BMC’s inpatient care capacity. The expansion included the addition of new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, an observation unit, and several state-of-the-art operating rooms. These improvements aim to enhance the hospital’s ability to provide quality care for the community, particularly for those with complex and chronic health conditions.
The project was not without its challenges. Boston Medical Center is located in a densely built urban environment, and extensive coordination with city officials was necessary to navigate the complex logistics of the renovation. Walsh Brothers worked closely with the building commissioner and fire officials to ensure that safety and logistical concerns were addressed before submitting their building permit application.
A Collaborative Effort to Build Excellence
Joe Charczenko, Partner and Construction Practice President at The Baldwin Group, emphasized the broader significance of the award. “These thoughtfully executed projects do more than just transform blueprints into reality; they breathe new life into our cities, fortify our communities, and strengthen our nation’s infrastructure,” Charczenko said. “Receiving one of these prestigious awards is a powerful reminder that collective effort combined with the relentless pursuit of excellence can truly build America.”
The Baldwin Group Build America Awards evaluate a range of factors, including project complexity, innovative construction techniques, and client satisfaction. With a panel of judges drawn from all areas of construction, the awards are considered one of the highest honors in the U.S. construction industry.
The Yawkey Inpatient expansion represents a key milestone in Boston Medical Center’s ongoing efforts to modernize its facilities and improve patient care. As the largest safety-net hospital in New England, BMC plays a critical role in serving vulnerable populations, and this renovation will ensure that the hospital is well-equipped to meet the needs of its diverse and growing patient base.
