Sweden-based construction giant Skanska has been awarded a $435 million contract to build a new hospital and medical office facility for Lee Health in Fort Myers, Florida. The announcement was made on Oct. 29.
The new facility will consist of a five-story, 416,000-sq. ft. hospital and a 125,000-sq.-ft. medical office building featuring an ambulatory surgery center. The project will also include a central energy plant, a rehabilitation gymnasium, and specialized clinics. Overall, the development will span 560,000 sq. ft. dedicated to healthcare services.
The hospital will feature 10 operating rooms, up to 168 patient rooms, and 44 beds for the emergency department. Each facility is designed to enhance care and improve patient outcomes, according to Lee Health spokesperson Jaclyn Bevis.
Construction has already begun on utility infrastructure, with completion expected by the fourth quarter of 2027. The contract is set to be reflected in Skanska’s order bookings for Q4 2024.
The Lee Health board approved the project budget on October 24, capping the cost at $434.75 million, though the final price may be adjusted pending a further vote in January. The new hospital will replace the aging Lee Memorial Hospital, which will continue operations until the new facility is ready. Lee Memorial currently employs 1,600 people, though it’s unclear how many will transition to the new campus or other Lee Health locations.
This project marks a significant investment in healthcare infrastructure for the region, promising to provide expanded services to the growing community in Lee County.
