Construction begins on biggest project at Swedish Edmonds in 40 years

Hospital execs, architects, construction people
and Sno County politicians wield gold shovels
at the Swedish Edmonds groundbreaking
Photo courtesy Swedish Edmonds

The mood was festive in Edmonds as about 300 community members celebrated the hospital’s 50th anniversary and groundbreaking milestones at Swedish Edmonds on Wednesday, September 3rd. 

Shovels plunged into dirt that will be covered one year from now by a two-story, 77,000-square-foot facility to include a new emergency department (ED), urgent care center, observation unit, outpatient diagnostic imaging center, new lobby, front entry, 37,000-square-foot shelled second floor and more.

“This is a historic moment for the community we serve at Swedish Edmonds,” said David Jaffe, chief executive at the hospital. “With this new facility, we can meet the growing healthcare needs for decades to come and offer an unmatched patient experience.”

The hospital opened in 1964 as a result of voters approving the establishment of Snohomish County Public Hospital District #2 in 1962. Back then, the entire facility and property cost $2 million. The new expansion will cost over $60 million.

When the building is constructed, a time capsule will be placed in a cornerstone of the building and a small plaque will identify the location. Along with hospital-related objects destined for the time capsule, a Hostess Twinkie will also go inside to test the urban myth about shelf life for the cream-filled sponge cake snack.

Learn more about the expansion and see renderings of the new facility here