Beneath the Hard Hat
C.D. Smith Company Blog

Healthcare Construction Case Study: Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hillsboro, WI

Date: Oct 6, 2025 2:54:49 PM | Author: Molly Haack

Building a New Hospital Near an Active Healthcare Facility

Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics | Hillsboro, Wisconsin

C.D. Smith Construction successfully delivered a state-of-the-art Critical Access Replacement Hospital for Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics, constructing the new facility less than 20 feet from the existing hospital.

Aerial view of Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics in Hillsboro, Wisconsin — new critical access facility constructed by C.D. Smith Construction next to the existing hospital with uninterrupted patient care.

Working in such close proximity to an active healthcare environment required extensive planning, collaboration with clinical leaders, and strict safety measures with a constant focus on minimizing impact to patient care.

“We take the safety of our patients and staff very seriously and the team at C.D. Smith shared this commitment. Safety was a regular focus throughout the build process.”
Kristie McCoic, Administrator, Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics

Planning for Safety and Continuity of Care

The project team collaborated with all stakeholders to develop site logistics, sequencing, and project plans that safely addressed:

  • Facility shipping and receiving routes
  • Material and equipment staging and handling
  • Interim Life Safety Measures (ILSM)
  • Emergency Action Plans
  • Helipad access

These measures were designed to eliminate disruptions to patient care while maintaining seamless hospital operations.

street view of gundersent st josephs hospital construction site in Wisconsin showing proximity to existing facility

C.D. Smith implemented noise and vibration controls, scheduled high-impact construction during off-peak hours, and maintained clear communication with hospital staff throughout every phase. With hands-on oversight from superintendents and field leadership, the team proactively identified and resolved challenges, prioritizing patient, staff, and visitor safety at all times throughout construction.

Delivering a Modern Healthcare Campus

Once the new hospital was complete, the old facility was carefully demolished to make way for a modern healthcare campus built to serve the Hillsboro community for generations to come.

“We had a complex project. We were building a new facility within about 15 feet of our current facility and then demolishing the old facility. Staff and patients were regularly within close proximity of the construction site. We quickly felt comfortable that the C.D. Smith team was taking all appropriate measures to ensure safety.”
Kristie McCoic, Administrator, Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics

Key Takeaways

  • Zero Disruptions: Construction completed beside an active hospital with uninterrupted patient care.
  • Safety First: Noise, vibration, and access controls maintained a calm, secure environment.
  • Collaborative Planning: Alignment with clinical teams ensured seamless daily operations.
  • Community Investment: A new healthcare campus designed for long-term service and resilience.

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Date: Spring/Summer 2025 | Author: Molly Haack

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About C.D. Smith

C.D. Smith Construction is an industry leader in safely providing the highest quality commercial construction services. Utilizing an integrated approach and self-performing trade services combined with technical expertise, our team serves as a solutions provider throughout all phases of a project, from planning through construction. With veteran leadership and a dedication to our employees and clients, we proudly place our name on projects of all sizes across the United States.

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Beneath the Hard Hat®, our company press and blog, offers an intimate look at the people and stories that make C.D. Smith Construction. With the latest industry news and project updates, we share insights on the superior spaces we are safely delivering year-round. Our technical experts provide valuable tips and topics to help plan your next commercial project.

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