Medical Construction & Design

The EPDM Roofing Association has initiated a field-based research study designed to improve scientific understanding of the long-term performance of EPDM membranes and explore methods for estimating their remaining service life in commercial roofing systems. The study focuses on EPDM membrane samples from commercial roofs that have been exposed to decades of real-world environmental conditions.

Industrial Electric Mfg. announced a $200 million investment in a new large-scale advanced manufacturing facility in San Antonio, Texas. The 1-million-square-foot production plant marks a significant expansion of IEM’s U.S. manufacturing footprint and reflects the company’s commitment to meeting growing customer demand for custom power distribution solutions across a wide range of critical industries.

Hoar Construction has officially opened their Memphis office, affirming its long-standing presence in the market and continued investment in the region. Led by Memphis native, Jordan Watts, the office brings together local employees supporting projects across Memphis and the surrounding areas. Hoar’s new office is located at 6410 Poplar Avenue in the International Paper building.

Construction firm Robins & Morton joined FirstHealth to celebrate the topping out of the new $50M FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital – Hoke addition and renovation on July 31 in Raeford, North Carolina. The topping out ceremony marks a significant milestone with the placement of the final steel beam, signifying the structural completion of the project.

The National Fire Protection Association released findings from its fourth annual industry survey conducted in-person between June 22 and June 24 at the 2026 NFPA Conference & Expo. The survey illustrates an industry embracing AI and digital tools, while recognizing that continued investment in training, professional development and industry collaboration will be critical to meeting heightened work demands amid ongoing workforce shortages.

Medical Construction Design is continuing its virtual CEU series with partner AEC Daily, which will consist of three, one-hour virtual CEU sessions focused on sustainability. The event will take place noon EST October, 8. There is no cost to participate. This highly anticipated learning event will consist of three, one-hour virtual AIA/HSW CEU sessions. Each session will dive deep into the latest technologies, conversations and strategies in designing and building sustainable healthcare spaces.

The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index score for July was 46.6, signaling a modest decline from June. This ongoing slump in business conditions has now stretched to nearly three and a half years, the longest in the ABI’s history. Clients continue to show interest, as inquiries for new projects rose again in July, though more slowly than in June. At the same time, the value of newly signed design contracts fell further after coming close to growth the previous month.

Corewell Health is making a $1.7-billion investment in Michigan to expand healthcare access in two fast-growing regions: Grand Rapids and Troy. Major expansions at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids and Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital will improve the experience for patients, families, nurses and physicians.

Lurie Children’s first outpatient specialty pharmacy has opened. The 2,050-square-foot pharmacy is located on the third floor of the new Lurie Children’s Outpatient and Infusion Center in Schaumburg, Illinois. The specialty pharmacy offers pediatric patients improved access to specialty medications and enhanced clinical support for complex medical conditions that require a higher level of care. The project team included HKS and Skender.

A call for abstracts for presentations has been issued for CxEnergy 2027’s technical program. The conference, offering over 30 educational sessions, an expo hall and professional networking opportunities, takes place April 27-30 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. CxEnergy draws hundreds of the nation’s leading commissioning experts, energy management professionals, MEP engineers, HVAC testing professionals, facility managers and building owners.