By Evelyn Pyburn
In Billings, it has always been noteworthy and head- turning, to have a towering crane involved in a construction project – but to have THREE! involved in three different projects, now that it seriously noteworthy. And, it must surely be making some kind of a statement about Billings.
St. Johns United most recently announced the initiation of a unique high rise community, Centrum, that will serve those in their retirement years and in need of regular health care; and all summer, downtowners have been watching the construction of the long awaited AC Hotel by Marriott, and of course who hasn’t noticed the amazing emergence of Intermountain Health’s new St. Vincent Regional Hospital along North 27th Street? Each of these projects involves the use of a crane, and not only is that noteworthy, as one gentleman pointed out, it marks a subtle advancement in the growth and strength of the Billings economy. Billings is entering a new era.
As Todd O’Hair, CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, recently pointed out, “Yellowstone County is Montana’s most industrial segment in the entire state.”
That these projects involve both health care and hospitality, should also not be surprising—both were identified as significant factors to the Yellowstone County economy by Dr. Jeffry Michael, Director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana, in a recent report on the local economy — not to mention agriculture, mining, refining and of course construction. Growth in one segment often generates growth in others, and even if it seems slow that incremental increase builds and soon impacts every industry segment.
And, so it is, the appearance of these three cranes are significant.
St. John’s United only recently launched the ground breaking of The Centrum, a new community center that includes a housing initiative, Aeries, and healthcare developed for older adults. The new concept incorporates housing options with new building methods, and a long-term commitment to supporting people across generations.
Located at St. John’s Westend Legacy Campus, 2701 Shiloh Road, Aeries will be a 12- story tower featuring 101 residences ranging from 849 to nearly 3,000 square feet, with a choice of 18-plus unique floor plans, high ceilings, three-season patios and exterior balconies, and modern finishes. Residents will enjoy thoughtfully designed residences, gourmet dining, wellness programs, and personalized services, whether that includes on-site primary care, therapy, or home health services. Also offered will be wellness activities, crafted to help residents to live life to the fullest.
Even though construction is just beginning the crane is in place.
The building of a magnificent new hotel, the AC Hotel by Marriott, at the corner of Second Avenue North and North 27th will bring a whole new dimension and look to downtown Billings.
Local leaders and developers see the project as a catalyst for economic growth.
Designed by A&E Design, the hotel will stand seven stories high and feature a modern, metropolitan design. Work began earlier this year, and the tower crane is now on site to enable the handling of materials and vertical construction in a tight space.
Codevelopers Bill Honaker and Donald Cape of JWT Capital say the hotel will have 135 guest rooms plus restaurants, a bar, and retail space. The ground floor will feature seven stores, a bar, and AC Kitchen, while the upper floors will include Vero Tavern. Plans also call for a rooftop restaurant and bar.
Developers say the hotel remains on track for a projected opening in late 2027 or early 2028.
Over a year ago, Intermountain Health’s St. Vincent Regional Hospital broke ground on the construction of a $1 billion, 14-story, 737,000-square-foot facility at 27th Street and 12th Avenue North, just east of the current hospital building. A year later an enormous crane soars over 27th Street as the towering walls go up. The hospital will replace the current facility.
It is certainly a significant addition to the advancing health care industry in Billings, which is often cited as the community’s most significant industry.
According to Intermountain Health, the decision to replace the current facility was made to address aging infrastructure and create a modern, efficient hospital capable of adapting to evolving healthcare demands.
The new Intermountain St. Vincent Regional Hospital is a “once-in-a-generation” investment in the health of the Billings community and region.
The new hospital is designed to address current patient needs while accommodating long-term population growth and future healthcare demands. It will feature 243 patient beds, with space for 16 additional beds when needed.
All rooms are universal and convertible to ICU-level care, allowing the hospital to respond to changing demands and future pandemics. Operating rooms are designed for adaptability, supporting the latest and future developments in robotic surgical technology, and will be fully integrated for efficient care.
The project is expected to have a substantial economic impact, with up to 700 workers on site at the peak of construction and 1,200 total workers involved. An additional 500 local jobs are anticipated to support the workforce and project, contributing to sustained economic growth in the region. A “topping off” event is anticipated in February 2027.
Construction of the new facility is expected to be completed in 2029.
