On Thursday, November 21, Margaret Mary Health (MMH) held a topping out ceremony to celebrate construction achievements at its new hospital and acknowledge the hard work of those involved. Held at the construction site, the ceremony was celebrated with a small gathering of MMH and Foundation board members, construction partners, community leaders, state officials, and hospital administration.
“This is a very exciting and momentous day for Margaret Mary Health,” said Liz Leising, MMH President and CEO. “This new future building is a true vision that was born over 20 years ago and has been very carefully, very intentionally, and very strategically nurtured and developed over the last decade.”
A longstanding construction site tradition, the topping out ceremony commemorates a major milestone where a steel beam is hoisted into the structural framework of the new hospital. Over the past month, the beam was transported to MMH’s various locations, where team members had the opportunity to add their signatures. While inclement weather interfered with the raising of the beam, attendees still gathered to share excitement over the construction project.
“When you’re in construction, a beam signing is cool because it represents progress,” said Jim Lupidi, Vice President of Danis Construction, “but more importantly, the signed beam represents collaboration. It’s a reminder of the thousands of people who have contributed towards the project. All the names on the beam are just a fraction of those who have contributed, and for that, we are thankful.”
Located on State Route 229 just north of the I-74 Batesville interchange, MMH’s new replacement hospital is designed to improve the patient experience, draw new healthcare professionals to the community, and serve as an anchor for an expanded health and wellness campus. The 125,000-square-foot facility is set to open in 2026.
CMTA provided MEP engineering and technology design for the state-of-the-art facility. Prioritizing sustainability, the hospital is aiming for an energy usage goal of 110 EUI and an Energy Star Target Score of 98. To achieve these ambitious targets, the systems will be fully electrified and will incorporate a full geothermal central plant, among other strategies. These sustainable efforts position the campus for further decarbonization as the utility grid improves.
For construction updates or to support this important project, follow us online at mmhealth.org/construction-updates.
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ABOUT MARGARET MARY HEALTH
Located in Batesville, Indiana, Margaret Mary Health is a not-for-profit, critical-access hospital providing both inpatient and outpatient services. Employing nearly 800 team members, the hospital has grown to include oncology and rehabilitation centers, orthopedic services and primary and minor care in nearby communities. MMH serves a population of more than 65,000 residents in Ripley, Franklin and surrounding counties. To learn more about our services, visit mmhealth.org.