Construction on Arkansas Heart Hospital’s Encore Medical Center continues to roll along, with the “topping out” of the building marking a major milestone.

In late August, hospital staff and guests gathered for a brief topping out ceremony on the grounds of the new Arkansas Heart Hospital Encore Medical Center. Clark Contractors hoisted the ceremonious final beam, signed by employees of Arkansas Heart Hospital. The new four-story facility is located off Highway 5 in Bryant.

“The topping out ceremony is physical evidence of the progress we have made towards opening Arkansas Heart Hospital Encore,” said Jacob Robinson, Chief Administrative Officer. “While this is representative of the physical structure, it also signifies to the community our progress towards being able to provide second chances to those who have illnesses not solvable with medication; an Encore.”

“(The location) was a natural choice,” said Dr. Bruce Murphy, Chief Executive. “Saline County has been the home to our Benton Clinic for many, many years. It’s a special community to me and I am delighted at the decision to expand there.”

Arkansas Heart Hospital Encore will be a general acute care hospital focusing on bariatric surgery and peripheral vascular disease. It will also feature a full-service emergency department. The projected opening date is fall 2020.

To stay in the know with Encore’s development, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.