The University of Missouri-Kansas City celebrated a major milestone in its largest construction project to date with a signing and placement of the final beam for the new Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building.
University leadership, elected officials, students, faculty and staff gathered at the construction site to take part in the ceremonial signing of the final steel beam—a moment that highlighted the strong community and legislative support behind the project. Among those who signed the beam were Missouri Reps. Brenda Shields, Emily Weber, Aaron Crossley, Donna Barnes, Michael Johnson and former Missouri Sen. Dan Hegeman. After signatures were added, a crane hoisted the beam into the air and carefully guided it into place atop the structure. Applause broke out as the beam was secured, marking the official “topping out” of the building and a symbolic step toward the project's completion.
The final beam is raised and secured into place atop the new Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building
“Just one year and one week ago, a big crowd of campus and community members stood together on this site, breaking ground on an idea – a shared vision – that was becoming a reality,” UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said. “Now, just 12 months later, you can see that early vision rising from the ground – a structure that’s already reshaping our skyline and signaling progress. This building will be more than just bricks and beams. It will be a hub for innovation, where future physicians, dentists and other healthcare professionals train side by side. It will strengthen research and collaboration, generating discoveries that improve healthcare for Kansas City and beyond. And it will continue UMKC’s legacy of community service, expanding the free and affordable care we already provide.”
UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal addresses a crowd of state legislators and community representatives =
UMKC Trustee Dick Flanigan and second-year dental student and former Trustees’ Scholar Mary Gipson also spoke during the event. They shared their excitement and reflected on the impact the building will have on student learning and community care.
School of Dentistry Dean Luepke and second year dental student Mary Gipson
Once completed, the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building will house interdisciplinary programs focused on education, research and clinical services. The facility will expand the university’s role as a regional leader in healthcare workforce development and innovation.
