Regional Health breaks ground on new projects in Sturgis and Custer

Another chapter in the history of Sturgis Regional Hospital began in late October with an official groundbreaking for a new $10.2 million clinic to be constructed on the hospital’s campus.


The project will add over 20,000 square-feet to the existing hospital and replace some 8,000 square-feet of existing specialty clinic space. It will also provide a new front entrance to the hospital and the Emergency Department and increase parking spaces. Construction is expected to begin this spring and be completed in early 2018.


Regional Health continues to see growth in patient demand in Sturgis, and cared for more than 27,300 patients last year at Sturgis Regional Hospital and Massa Berry Regional Health Clinic.


Local officials and city leaders, including Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen and Sturgis City Manager Daniel Ainslie, were among those who attended the groundbreaking with Regional Health executives, physicians, and caregivers all of whom celebrated at a social event following the ceremony.


Just one day later, Regional Health’s $18.43 million hospital replacement building project officially kicked off at the site of the future Custer Regional Hospital and Clinic, just east of the current hospital. The 42,000 square-foot, one-story hospital and clinic will be built through a private-public funding partnership.


The hospital and clinic design plan includes larger public spaces and added privacy in patient rooms. The design will allow the hospital and clinic to more easily accommodate the increased number of patient visits usually experienced during peak tourism times.


The project is the result of collaboration between Regional Health, the City of Custer, and Custer Community Health Services, Inc. Regional Health will own the new hospital and clinic, and is committing $14.425 million to the $18.425 million project. The City of Custer will contribute up to $4 million through the continuation of capital funds.


The general contractor for the project is Scull Construction of Rapid City. The original hospital and clinic, first opened in 1962, will continue to operate throughout the construction process. Upon completion of the new hospital, Regional Health will deed the site back to the City of Custer.