October 2024

Kansas City Healthcare Systems

JE Dunn Construction has an extensive history of collaboration with area hospitals that spans several decades. This commitment is not just about building structures but fostering lasting relationships and ensuring the highest standards of healthcare environments.

The Early Days and Evolution

Shelly Koehler, a veteran at JE Dunn, began her journey with the company in 1996. At that time, the Kansas City office was much smaller, with around 100 employees, and the healthcare group was a burgeoning sector within the company. The healthcare construction standards we see today were in their infancy, she said, and JE Dunn played a significant role in shaping these standards through their projects.

The initial focus was on rural healthcare, working within a three-hour radius of Kansas City. This work was fundamental in establishing JE Dunn’s reputation in the healthcare construction space, characterized by meticulous attention to infection control and patient safety—standards that were revolutionary at the time.

Saint Luke’s: A Relationship Built on Trust

One of the most notable partnerships has been with Saint Luke’s Health System. For over three decades, JE Dunn has had a continuous presence at Saint Luke’s. This relationship is a cornerstone of JE Dunn’s healthcare portfolio, demonstrating a deep mutual trust and commitment.

“We’ve been working there every single day without stopping for the last 30 years,” Jason Wright, a longtime leader in JE Dunn’s healthcare projects, said. This uninterrupted service highlights JE Dunn’s dedication to the healthcare provider and the community it serves.

Wright’s personal connection to the hospital adds another layer of depth to his work with Saint Luke’s. His parents worked there, he was born there, and his career in construction began there. His journey from an electrical apprentice to a leader at JE Dunn is intertwined with Saint Luke’s, reflecting the company’s philosophy of building lasting relationships and returning to roots that are both personal and professional.

The partnership has also witnessed the growth and expansion of Saint Luke’s Health System. JE Dunn was instrumental in building the Saint Luke’s North Hospital, Saint Luke’s South Hospital, and Saint Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit. Wright reflects on this growth with pride, noting, “It’s been amazing to see Saint Luke’s grow from one hospital on the Plaza in Kansas City to a comprehensive health system. We’ve been fortunate to be a part of that journey.”

University of Kansas Hospital: Growing Together

For over 20 years, JE Dunn has partnered with the University of Kansas on projects of various sizes and scopes. JE Dunn has completed 70 projects on the Kansas University Medical Center (KUMC) and The University of Kansas Health System (TUKHS) campuses. Our shared commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities for medical care, research, and laboratory services, ensures that our communities have access to the highest standards of health and innovation. Our partnership with KU has resulted in campuses that consistently deliver the highest standards of healthcare. This dedication extends to cancer care, where we recognize our responsibility to collaborate with clients in the fight against cancer. JE Dunn built The University of Kansas Cancer Center in Westwood, a world-class academic medical center and destination for complex care and diagnosis. JE Dunn is currently constructing an addition to the TUKH Cancer Center. To date, JE Dunn has completed 126 cancer projects, including 11 with KU, reflecting our shared goal of being part of a team dedicated to curing cancer.

Inspired by this mission and armed with expertise, JE Dunn also partnered with AdventHealth to build a new $76.5 million Cancer Institute entirely dedicated to cancer care – from prevention to treatment.

Adapting and Innovating

JE Dunn has consistently adapted to meet healthcare’s evolving and new challenges. From the early days of rural healthcare projects to the current trends of urban hospital expansions, JE Dunn has remained at the forefront of innovation. Recently, JE Dunn collaborated with HCA Midwest Health on a large-scale prefabrication project, pushing the boundaries of traditional construction methods and showcasing the company’s ability to innovate.

A Culture of Care

What sets JE Dunn apart is the culture of care that permeates its healthcare projects. As Koehler describes, working in healthcare construction is more than a job; it’s a passion. The realization that their work directly impacts patient care drives the team to excel, knowing that their efforts could contribute to life-saving treatments and better healthcare outcomes. 

This culture is not just about the physical buildings but also about the relationships built along the way. JE Dunn’s partnerships with hospitals like Saint Luke’s and KU are characterized by mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence. This has created a legacy of quality healthcare facilities in Kansas City and a blueprint for how construction companies can positively impact their communities.

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