Baptist South Medical Center topped out its eight-story patient tower Wednesday.
It said the final beam was signed by patients, employees and physicians.
It was hoisted by crane 126 feet in the air to the top of the tower, under development at 14550 Old St. Augustine Road.
Baptist South will start with building-out four floors and the remainder will be renovated as needed. The contractor is Batson-Cook Co. and the architect is Gresham, Smith and Partners.
The tower will add 138 patient beds, for a total of 407.
It will also provide more surgical space, additional labor and delivery patient rooms and enhanced radiology services.
Baptist South said it is expanding its campus to meet the growing needs of South Jacksonville. The remaining floors will be completed as needed.
Baptist South also is building a five-story, 1,300-space parking garage that is scheduled to open in August. Parking will be free.
The hospital plans to build a third five-story medical office building to house primary care and specialty physicians’ offices.