Loxahatchee, FL (July 9, 2026)–The Sunshine State is experiencing the largest physician shortage in the nation, with an estimated gap of almost 18,000 doctors by 2030. Meanwhile, Florida’s existing healthcare workforce is heading toward a retirement cliff, with 35% of Florida’s practicing physicians age 60 or older.
This HCA Palms West Hospital tower expansion in Loxahatchee, built by Layton Construction, will include two classrooms for training the next generation of healthcare professionals in the region.
The 72,184SF single-story horizontal expansion will also provide:
- 42 med-surg patient rooms.
- Renovated main hospital entrance and lobby.
- Expansion to Materials Management.
- Major CEP upgrades to accommodate future infrastructure growth to forthcoming hospital expansion projects.
The new tower also consists of structural foundations to accommodate four future inpatient and outpatient floors.
Impacts to patient care are a constant concern when expanding an existing hospital campus which is why “maintaining daily facility operations has remained a top priority,” said Layton Project Manager Brad Walker. “The Palms West tower expansion showcases the level of planning, coordination, and execution required to successfully deliver complex healthcare projects in active environments.”
Layton is also working on an expansion of the Palms West emergency room, expanding the space by 125% for a 6,112 SF facility, adding a nurse station, 10 exams rooms, and ER admittance desk.
“This project reflects Layton’s commitment to delivering value to our clients and strengthening our growing presence across Florida,” said Walker. “We are proud to help build the future of healthcare infrastructure and create spaces that will serve communities throughout the state.”
The tower expansion will be complete in spring of 2027, and the ER expansion will be complete in summer of 2027.
Rendering Courtesy of Earl Swensson Associates, Inc.
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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 1,700 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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