ENR has recognized the Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital (Wheat Ridge, Colorado) as a 2025 ENR Best of the Best winner in the Healthcare category. The recognition follows the hospital’s earlier distinction as the ENR Mountain States Best Healthcare Project, further solidifying the project’s position among the top construction achievements of the year.
Constructed by the Barton Malow-Haselden joint venture, the hospital serves as a transformative healthcare facility for Jefferson County and the broader Intermountain region. At more than 660,000 SF, the six-level hospital brings state-of-the-art clinical services to the community, including 176 universal care beds, 16 observation-specific beds, 19 postpartum/antepartum beds, 12 NICU beds, 10 operating rooms (ORs) on a single floor, and two dedicated C-Section ORs. With abundant natural light, flexible room design, a central courtyard, and expansive views of the Rocky Mountain foothills, the facility prioritizes patient comfort, clinical adaptability, and operational efficiency.
“Delivering this state-of-the-art hospital reflects Barton Malow’s commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare construction,” said Vice President Larry Arndt. “We’re proud to have helped create a facility that will serve Wheat Ridge and the Intermountain region for generations, and honored by ENR’s recognition of this achievement.”
Delivering a project of this scale and complexity required an exceptional level of teamwork and collaboration. The project team implemented Lean methodologies and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) strategies to enhance communication, align stakeholders, and maintain schedule and budget reliability. Weekly coordination cadences across key work groups ensured efficient execution and minimized disruptions. These efforts not only advanced construction but also reinforced a “one-team” culture that became central to the project’s success.
ENR will honor all national Best of the Best winners in March.