CRMH West Tower Façade Project Update

We're working to make repairs to the exterior façade of CRMH's West Tower. While this project is underway, a portion of Belleview Avenue remains closed for safety. There will be changes to pedestrian routes around the hospital's exterior and inside the lobby as work as completed. Please follow posted safety signage, designated walkways and traffic directions as work continues.

The work is being completed in carefully planned phases to maintain a safe environment while minimizing disruption to hospital operations. 

We will update this page regularly throughout the project. Updates will also be shared in ePulse.

To bookmark this page on your Inside Carilion left menu bar, click the Add Quicklink link in the menu bar at the top of this page. After you do that, the page will display in the My Quicklinks section of the left (blue) menu bar underneath the Main Menu every time you log in to Inside Carilion.

What to Expect, September and October 2026

Work continues on the West Tower exterior restoration project. Crews have made significant progress on scaffolding installation and site preparation. Over the coming weeks, there will be increased construction activity as the project moves into its next phase.

September

Construction crews are completing scaffold installation around the West Tower and preparing for major exterior repair work. Crews are installing temporary roofing, exterior access equipment, and other infrastructure to prepare for limestone and brick restoration. Employees may notice more contractors and equipment moving around the work area as preparations continue.

Early October

Beginning in early October, crews are expected to remove the Carilion sign and Rod of Asclepius (the staff and serpent) from the West Tower as part of planned limestone restoration work. Around the same time, the front lobby entrance area will be reconfigured to support safe construction operations. 

The north entrance will be closed during limestone work; the south entrance will be used for both entering and exiting the lobby during that time. The images above show the planned changes.

Employees and visitors should anticipate changes to pedestrian traffic patterns and wayfinding in this area and allow extra time. Please follow posted safety signage, designated walkways and traffic directions as work continues.

Throughout October

Limestone restoration work is expected to begin in October, marking one of the most visible phases of the project. Contractors will also begin repairs inside Stairway 1, starting on the upper floors and working downward.

You may occasionally notice construction-related noise in nearby areas. Project leaders will continue monitoring conditions and working to minimize impacts on hospital operations.

Brick restoration, parapet repairs, and other exterior improvements will continue alongside the limestone work. You should expect ongoing construction activity around the West Tower throughout the month.

Talking Points and Project FAQs 

If you receive questions about the work, the following talking points should help you provide the necessary information about the project. 

What’s Happening? 

• We’ve started the next phase of the West Pavilion brick repair project that began last year. 
• So far, much of the work has focused on engineering, design, and planning. The project is now moving into active site preparation and construction. 
• Scaffolding installation is underway and will continue over several weeks. 
• As work progresses, people will see more construction equipment and personnel around the hospital campus. 
• The repairs are needed to preserve the building and support its long-term future. 

Will Traffic or Access to the Hospital Change? 

• A portion of Belleview Avenue remains closed to traffic. 
• Any future traffic pattern changes will be communicated in advance once plans are finalized and approved. 
• During construction, there may be temporary adjustments to pedestrian walkways or areas immediately outside the hospital. 
• Patients, visitors, and employees should follow posted directional signage and traffic control measures when traveling through the area. 

What Should Employees, Patients and Visitors Expect? 

• The area around the West Pavilion will become a more active construction zone as site preparation and repair work progresses. 
• Construction is being completed in carefully planned phases to maintain a safe environment for everyone and minimize disruption to hospital operations. 
• Teams will continue to share updates as the project reaches additional milestones or changes affect access around the hospital. 

What Should I Tell Someone Who Asks About the Road Closure or Traffic? 

• Current detours and access routes remain in place. 
• We have received concerns about vehicles speeding on nearby residential streets because of the road closure. 
• Please observe posted speed limits and traffic signs. Allow extra travel time and drive cautiously. 
• We want to be good neighbors to the surrounding community while this work is underway. 

What Is the Timeline? 

• The West Pavilion brick repair project is expected to be completed by summer 2027. 
• Bellevue Avenue will remain closed while construction is underway. 
• The street will reopen once it is safe to do so after construction is complete. 
• We will continue to share updates as major project milestones are reached. 

If Someone Asks Why the Work Is Necessary 

The brick repairs are an important investment in the West Pavilion. The work is necessary to preserve the building, enhance safety, and support its long-term future. 

We know that road closures and traffic changes can be frustrating. They are necessary to maintain safety, and we will reopen access as soon as it is safe to do so. Thank you for your patience. 

Key Message 

The West Pavilion brick repair project is moving from planning and engineering into active construction. Employees, patients, and visitors are already seeing more visible construction activity. The work is being carefully phased to maintain a safe environment and minimize disruption to hospital operations.