Associated Construction Inc., of Spokane, has started work on interior improvements to the top two floors of the 10-story, patient-room tower at Deaconess Hospital, located at 800 W. Fifth on Spokane’s lower South Hill.

“It really is a cosmetic upgrade,” says Pete Smith, owner of Associated Construction. “We’re putting in new flooring, a new ceiling and lighting, new paint and plumbing.”

A city of Spokane construction activity report estimates the project’s value at $3 million.

Associated Construction is completing the project in four phases, working on only half of a floor, one at a time to minimize potential inconveniences for patients and staff, says Smith. 

“By the time it’s all complete, all the patient rooms will have a new makeover,” he says.

Smith says work crews are currently refurbishing half of the ninth floor. He says crews are expected to be finished with that entire floor by the end of May and will then proceed to work on the 10th floor. 

The ninth floor has 13,500 square feet of floor space and has 28 patient rooms, while the 10th floor has 11,000 square feet of space and 26 patient rooms, says Smith.

Founded in 1896, Deaconess is a 388-bed facility. 

The hospital is part of the Rockwood Health System, which also includes Valley Hospital and Rockwood Clinic.