In late 2024, Hurricane Helene slammed into the Southeastern U.S., unleashing record rainfall and winds across Georgia and the Carolinas. The storm flooded entire communities and knocked out infrastructure—posing a critical threat to the operations of 16 HCA hospitals in the region.
When Nature Attacks Critical Infrastructure
Among the hardest hit was Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. “The French Broad River overflowed its banks and flooded the city’s primary water pump station. Suddenly, there was no potable water in Asheville,” said Layton Construction Manager Jim Parker. “The governor and state health department were preparing to shut the hospital down. That’s when we got the call.”
Layton’s healthcare team didn’t hesitate. Within 48 hours, they installed two 40,000-gallon water tanks, drilled two deep wells, and restored cooling system functionality. “We had suppliers delivering equipment overnight. One of the tanks was craned in just hours after the order was placed. There was no room for delay,” Parker explained. A continual stream of water trucks delivered the 150,000 gallons of clean water needed each day to keep the hospital running.
The work behind the scenes also proved challenging. With logistics complicated by road closures, downed cell towers, and widespread power outages, Layton’s team used Starlink internet, satellite phones, and hard-copy maps to navigate the region and coordinate deliveries. Meanwhile, more than 250 employees and trade partners cleared debris from roadways and hospital access points.
“There were locations where tree falls were so dense, crews had to cut through quarter-mile stretches just to reach the buildings,” Parker said, adding “We had boots on the ground before we even had a full scope of the problem. That’s The Layton Way.”
Emergency Engineering in Georgia
In Blue Ridge, Georgia, similar emergency work was required. Layton installed a temporary sanitary sewer system for Fannin Regional Hospital, deploying vacuum trucks to manage waste, which allowed the hospital to continue caring for patients during the crisis. “You don’t think about it until it fails—but when a sewer system goes down, it puts lives at risk,” Parker explains.
The team successfully kept the 16 hospitals up and running until critical infrastructure could be restored. But they weren’t done.
Milton Strikes: A Hospital Goes Dark
Less than two weeks after Helene, Hurricane Milton brought 120+ mph winds and storm surges to the Florida Gulf Coast. Once again, Layton teams deployed to HCA hospitals in the path of the storm—this time riding it out alongside hospital staff.
45 Days to Rebuild What Nature Destroyed
At Largo Hospital, a powerful storm surge flooded the entire sub-basement, including vital areas such as the kitchen, sterile processing, and the hospital’s central energy plant. The flooding immediately triggered a total power loss.
“The hospital went black; all utility feeds were gone. We had ” Parker said. “It was all hands on deck—nurses, contractors, and staff evacuating patients by flashlight, floor by floor.”
After the water receded and the insurance adjusters had assessed the damage, crews faced a toxic mess of food waste, biological contaminants, and failed electrical systems. “Words can’t describe the mess,” Parker said. “It was one of the worst disaster scenes I’ve encountered.”
Layton mobilized immediately. Within 24 hours, the team installed temporary air-handling systems to control humidity and prevent mold growth. Crews worked around the clock to gut and disinfect the entire sub-basement and mechanical systems, then launched a full rebuild—completing a year’s worth of work in just 45 days.
“Some of the gear we replaced has lead times over a year. But thanks to our supplier relationships, we had new switchgear and mechanical systems on site within days,” said Parker. “It was a logistical miracle.”
Values in Action: Why Layton Moves First
Throughout both disasters, Parker says Layton’s focus remained on supporting HCA’s mission to care for their communities. “Any other company would’ve said, ‘We need a contract before we start.’ Our leadership said, ‘Get moving. We’ll figure it out later,’” Parker emphasized. “That’s one way we construct with integrity. That’s who we are.”
He credited Senior Superintendents Mike Herrmann and Scott Carson for leading the efforts, and praised Layton team members and trade partners who made it happen. “These weren’t typical projects; they were emergency missions. And our team members and partners showed up ready to serve and then delivered.”
The takeaway, according to Parker, is simple: “HCA knows Layton will be there when needed. When disaster strikes, we don’t show up with red tape—we show up with solutions.”
Have questions about Layton’s healthcare experience? Or have a project coming up? Check out our portfolio and get in touch with our healthcare team to discuss.
About Layton Construction
Layton Construction is a privately held national general contractor, delivering predictable outcomes in commercial construction since 1953. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Layton operates from 16 strategic offices across the United States, employing more than 1,400 construction professionals who serve diverse markets including healthcare, education, commercial office, industrial, hospitality, and multi-unit residential. Founded on the core values of honesty, unity, safety, and quality, Layton has built a reputation for excellence in complex project delivery while maintaining strong partnerships with clients, architects, and trade partners nationwide.
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