PCL Construction, Community Contractors, and EAPC Architects Engineers complete major renovation and expansion, modernizing facilities and strengthening access to healthcare services in rural North Dakota.

NORTHWOOD, N.D. (October 26, 2026) – PCL Construction, in a joint venture with Community Contractors, will join Northwood Deaconess Health Center (NDHC) and community leaders on November 12 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of a $39.6 million renovation and expansion project. Designed by EAPC Architects Engineers, the project modernizes the more than 120-year-old healthcare campus, expanding access to essential medical services and creating updated spaces for patients, residents and staff.

For Northwood Deaconess, the completed project marks an important milestone.

"This transformation marks an exciting new chapter for Northwood Deaconess and the communities we serve," said Brock Sherva, CEO of Northwood Deaconess Health Center. "For more than 120 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, high-quality care close to home. These new and renovated spaces allow us to build on that legacy, expand the services our patients depend on, and create a more comfortable, accessible environment for our residents, patients and staff. We're grateful to the entire project team and community for helping bring this vision to life."

Delivering that vision required careful coordination across an active campus.

“Modernizing an active rural hospital shaped by decades of additions and renovations required careful planning and coordination,” said Trent Johnson, vice president and district manager for PCL’s Midwest Division. “Together with Community Contractors and the full project team, we integrated new and renovated spaces while protecting daily operations, creating a stronger healing environment and helping Northwood Deaconess continue providing care close to home.”

Key improvements to the healthcare campus include:

  • Expanded inpatient facilities: 23,165 square feet of new construction and 11,205 square feet of renovation, including nine inpatient care rooms, designed to improve comfort, accessibility and patient experience.
  • Enhanced outpatient and specialty services: Renovated spaces to support endoscopy, colonoscopy, infusion and therapy services, helping more patients access essential care locally.
  • Modernized long-term care community: 16 larger long-term care rooms with private bathrooms and improved accessibility, creating a more comfortable, private and community-oriented environment.
  • Improved emergency and imaging capabilities: Updated facilities designed to better support healthcare teams in delivering timely, high-quality care. Includes CT scanning.

A care-centered approach guided every aspect of the project's design.

“The design began with a close look at how care moves through Northwood Deaconess and how patients, residents, families and staff experience a campus shaped by decades of additions and renovations,” said Rachel Harris, principal architect at EAPC Architects Engineers. “Every decision, from clinical adjacencies to accessibility and comfort, was intended to create a more connected environment that supports efficient, coordinated care and a more intuitive patient experience.”

The transformation was made possible through a combination of federal, state and local investment. The project team worked closely with Northwood Deaconess to align scope, schedule and costs with available funding resources, helping maximize the community's investment while advancing critical healthcare infrastructure improvements.

Funding for the project was provided through a combination of federal and state programs focused on strengthening rural healthcare access. Funding was provided, in part, by the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities program, which offers direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to improve quality of life, support economic development and sustain rural America. USDA's financial support helps rural communities attract and retain businesses that provide essential employment and services for local residents.

In addition to USDA funding, the project also benefited from the Bank of North Dakota's Medical Infrastructure Fund, which provides loans to medical facilities for construction projects that improve healthcare infrastructure and expand access to nonprofit healthcare providers across North Dakota.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Details

Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026

Time: 4–6 p.m.

Location: Northwood Deaconess Health Center, 4 North Park Street, Northwood, ND

The event will begin at 4 p.m., with a formal program starting at 4:15 p.m. and tours of the newly renovated and expanded facility following the program. Community members and members of the media are invited to attend and see firsthand how the transformation will support the future of healthcare in northeast North Dakota.

 

About Northwood Deaconess Health Center

Northwood Deaconess Health Center (NDHC) has proudly served communities across northeast North Dakota since 1902. Independently owned and operated, NDHC provides comprehensive healthcare services through its clinics in Northwood and Larimore, as well as its hospital, long term care, assisted living, ambulance, and therapy services in Northwood. Dedicated to meeting the region’s evolving healthcare needs, NDHC remains committed to providing quality care close to home.

About PCL Construction

PCL Construction is one of the most respected and accomplished global construction leaders, comprising independent companies operating throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Australia. With an annual construction volume of $9.9 billion USD, PCL builds projects that shape communities and strengthen infrastructure. The company’s 100% employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment for clients in the buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and solar markets. With a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers, PCL’s leadership teams consistently drive innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence, bringing unparalleled skill to every project. Watch us build at PCL.com.

About Community Contractors

Founded in 1981 by President Craig Tweten, Community Contractors, Inc. is a premier developer and construction management firm headquartered in Grand Forks.     Community Contractors has established itself as a respected industry leader, known for tailoring its services to meet the precise goals, schedules, and budgets of every client.   Operating across both the public and private sectors, Community Contractors is defined by a commitment to excellence and a solutions-oriented mindset. “Whatever it takes, we will get it done!” Check to see how we do it by visiting communitycontractorsinc.com

About EAPC Architects Engineers

EAPC Architects Engineers, headquartered in North Dakota with offices in 10 locations, including five in the state, is a multidisciplinary firm celebrated for its innovative and client-centered solutions in the architecture and engineering industry. With a rich history of excellence and a forward-looking approach to design and engineering, EAPC continues to deliver exceptional value to its clients and communities across various sectors, including civic, healthcare, higher education, K-12 education, and industrial services. Learn more: eapc.net