Healthcare boom fuels area construction activity

The local hospital industry has done a lot for the health of commercial builders since the recession hit metropolitan Kansas City. Local hospitals and other healthcare institutions have invested $1.25 billion since 2009. The projects over the last four years range from the new $330 million Mid America Heart Institute at St. Luke's flagship campus near the Plaza to a $2.5 million project to upgrade the helipad at the University of Kansas Hospital. Coming up soon: a $121 million expansion of Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Hospital officials say the projects are being driven by the need to modernize, accommodate new equipment, offer more outpatient services and respond to shifts in the local population.