BIRMINGHAM – Grandview Medical Center hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, April 26, at the site of a planned cancer center.

Grandview President and CEO Keith Granger welcomed about 100 people to the event and thanked those who have assisted the hospital.

Marty Bonick, Division 1 president for Community Health Systems Inc., said Grandview has exceeded expectations.

“We knew this was going to be a success, but the level of success here, and the success you have had, it’s been off the charts,” Bonick said.

Bonick said the planned center will offer comprehensive cancer care.

“Cancer is one of those diseases that we haven’t found all the cures for,” he said. “Cancer touches so many people.”

Jimmie Harvey, chairman of the Grandview Cancer Committee, said that after many years of slow progress related to the disease, many new drugs have been approved within in the past 12 months.

“We are so thrilled as oncologists to be a part of that,” Harvey said. “This is Christmas Day for all of us.”

Drew Mason, chief operating officer for Grandview, said the new facility would be a freestanding building with surface parking.

The cancer center will feature Grandview’s signature glass, curved façade, encompass 25,000 square feet on two levels and cost more than $20 million, Mason said and added that work will begin next week and the center is planned to open in the summer of 2018.

“We’re ready to get started,” Mason said.

The center will offer a range of oncology services with onsite medical and radiation oncologists collaborating in a multidisciplinary approach, the latest technology in radiation therapy and PET/CT, as well as full-service medical oncology capabilities.

Brasfield & Gorrie is serving as construction manager for the project, and Earl Swensson Associates is the architect.