From a Dirt Pit to a Steel Structure — What a Difference Two Years Make

It is time to take a look at where we were, where we are, and where we will be. This blog highlights four photos: The first is dated July 28, 2016. The second photo dated August 1, 2017, brings us another year closer to the third photo, which is dated August 1, 2018. At the end of the blog is the fourth and final photo that reminds us of what the two hospitals will look like by the end of 2019.

Playin’ in the Dirt Down in the Pit

Where We Were on July 28, 2016

At the time the above photo was taken, the excavation crew was hard at work. As the dirt was excavated around the perimeter, the shoring wall got deeper. On the south side, the pit was approximated eighteen feet deep. On the north, east, and west sides the pit was approximately six feet deep. When this photo was taken, the main priority was to expose and demolish a large concrete tunnel traversing the width of the pit. Once the tunnel was razed and the concrete and rebar was removed, the excavation could continue with out interruption.

Down on the Concrete Pad From Where the Steel Will Rise

Where We Were on August 1, 2017

With the dirt pad just a memory, the crew had moved on to another phase with over four feet of concrete under our feet. Work had begun on the seismic pedestals, base isolator positioning, and the hanging of rebar to support the concrete foundation walls. At this juncture, we were glad to get the dirt and dust behind us, and the foundation poured. Once the foundation walls were complete, we could look forward to another phase: the steel.

Gone is the Pit — The Steel Columns Come Together Floor by Floor

Where we Were on August 1, 2018

On August 1, 2018, the ironworkers were hanging steel on some of the seventh and eight floors of the Adult Hospital. Toward the center right of the photograph, the viewer can see the columns that go up to the ninth floor. After the metal decking tops out on the ninth floor; four two floor columns will be set on the remaining columns reaching a height of seventeen stories. Currently two story columns for the Children’s Hospital (not visible from this angle ) are being set. Once the metal decking has been scattered on the eight floor, one more two floor columns will be set bringing the height of the Children’s Hospital to Ten Stories.

Where the Project will be by the Winter of 2019

An artist’s rendering of the new Loma Linda University children’s and adult hospitals.