Several milestones have been reached in the construction of Trinity Health’s new healthcare campus and medical district in southwest Minot, including a “topping out” ceremony on July 31, in which construction crews celebrated placement of the final steel beam on top of the structure according to a press release.

Since fire broke out at the new campus on March 22, structural engineers, insurance investigators, and fire officials were involved in investigating and assessing the integrity of the structure. Evaluation included visual inspections, infrared scanning and surveys, and non-destructive testing/laboratory evaluations of materials thought to be subjected to the fire and explosions.

Engineers with TRC Engineering thoroughly evaluated steel beams within the structure to determine which, if any, would be replaced. Materials Evaluation and Engineering, Inc., conducted non-destructive testing on steel that appeared visibly unaffected. All evaluation activities conformed to industry standards and were completed July 24, 2019.

Significant progress has been made during this phase of the project with the site’s utilities, foundation superstructure, exterior envelope masonry, and other activities. For example, asphaltic system base course and binder for roads and parking lots have been installed, as have underground storm and sanitary structures. Site grading is under way. All exterior walls are complete within the central energy plant (CEP), and structural metal stud installation for the exterior wall system is currently taking place.

“While we are disappointed with the distractions of the fire and other construction-related events in recent months, Trinity Health is resolute in ensuring the completed project conforms to design and contract requirements,” said Randy Schwan, vice president of Mission Integration at Trinity Health. “We continue to assess and will respond with the best course of action to complete a state-of-the-art facility. All of us at Trinity Health look forward to this healthcare campus and medical district serving Minot and the entire region for generations to come.”