Construction continues on a regional cancer center and medical office building at Community Hospital in Grand Junction.

More than 1,250 cubic yards of concrete were poured to accommodate two linear accelerators that will provide radiation oncology treatments at the center.

“All of the people working on this impressive structure of concrete and rebar are building a place where cancer patients can safely receive life-saving radiation treatments,” said Dr. Ryan Bagley, a radiation oncologist with Grand Valley Oncology. 

“The structure itself is an amazing feat of design, engineering and construction,” Bagley said. “The thick concrete floor will be a firm foundation for the linear accelerators, while the concrete walls and ceiling will protect the staff and the public from radiation exposure. The many tons of concrete and rebar will bring us that much closer to our new cancer center.”

The work included 87 helical piers and 75 tons of rebar. About 35 tradesmen worked on the concrete foundations.

Linear accelerators deliver high-energy radiation to the exact sites of patients’ tumors. Using image-guided radiation therapy, radiation oncologists track cancer and monitor treatment, adapting treatments to changes in tumor volume.

The 130,000-square-foot James Pulsipher Regional Cancer Center and medical office building is scheduled for completion in 2023 and expected to cost about $53 million.

Operated by Community Hospital, Grand Valley Oncology offers a range of cancer treatment options including medical and radiation oncology, gynecological oncology, genetic counseling, social services, clinical trials and a survivorship program. Grand Valley Oncology received the highest level of accreditation through a national quality assurance program. The National Committee for Quality Assurance awarded the Patient-Centered Specialty Practice accreditation.