Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) in Astoria, Oregon, is undergoing a major expansion to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community. The ambitious project includes a four-story, 182,000 SF addition to the existing hospital, which will feature an expanded emergency department, state-of-the-art operating rooms, larger patient rooms, and additional space for mechanical equipment.

The project will also include resiliency features, such as the region’s first Tsunami Vertical Evacuation Structure (TVES) and a deep pile foundation, ensuring the facility can remain operational during natural disasters. It will be one of the largest construction projects in Clatsop County’s history. This four-year capital improvement initiative will expand hospital services, attract new healthcare providers, and integrate the latest technology to better meet the community’s health needs.

The project team includes ZGF Architects, Skanska USA, and electrical contractor JH Kelly, responsible for overseeing and executing all phases of the electrical work for the expansion.   

JH Kelly has partnered with Skanska on several projects, with their collaboration dating back to 2019. They served as the Electrical Trade Partner on three school projects for the Astoria School District between 2020 and 2022, modernizing and expanding the schools. As the projects wrapped up, the opportunity for the Columbia Memorial Hospital project emerged. Skanska was awarded the project, and the strong working relationship built over the previous years helped pave the way for this new venture. 

JH Kelly’s Role in the Expansion

JH Kelly is responsible for all aspects of electrical work on the project, including a complex emergency system, power distribution, lighting and lighting control, low-voltage cabling, and fire alarm systems. While access control, security, and audio-visual systems are managed directly by the owner, JH Kelly handles the raceways, pathways, and power requirements to activate these systems. The majority of the electrical work, covering everything related to electricity, falls under their scope. This includes generator systems, fuel management system, UPS units, and specialty equipment in the imaging suites. 

Supporting the Local Community

When selecting a general contractor and trade partners for the Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) project, CMH prioritized companies with a local presence to benefit the community. Although it wasn’t a contractual requirement, CMH emphasized the importance of positively impacting the North Coast community. JH Kelly’s dedication to using local labor and subcontractors aligned with this goal. Furthermore, JH Kelly ensured that CMH would have access to local contractors for ongoing maintenance, promoting long-term support and a sustainable, locally-driven service network.

“Astoria is a coastal town, so it’s a bit off the beaten path from most major cities. But for us, it’s local. It’s home, and we take a lot of pride in that.” ~ Bob Breien, Sr. Project Manager JH Kelly

In past projects, JH Kelly has consistently prioritized working with the local community. For example, in 2021, JH Kelly, in partnership with Skanska, provided temporary power for Astoria High School’s senior prom, held outdoors due to COVID restrictions. Project superintendent Kristian Fremstad led efforts to secure a generator and lighting, with the team donating their time for setup and takedown. JH Kelly also strengthened its local business support by partnering with Bogh Electric, an IBEW Local 48 contractor, building on previous collaborations with local businesses during the Astoria school projects.

Special Considerations for the CMH Project

The Columbia Memorial Hospital project has several key considerations, with the most critical being its tsunami vertical evacuation refuge structure. Situated in the Cascadia Subduction Zone, the hospital must remain operational even during a major earthquake or tsunami. 

“What’s unique about this project is that it’s designed not just to survive but to serve as a gathering point and a resource for the entire community. ~ Abe Ott, JH Kelly Director of Marketing

To ensure this, utilities and generators are placed on the 4th and 5th floors, above the tsunami zone, keeping them intact during potential disasters. In case of power loss, the hospital’s generator system is designed to take over immediately, with an 50,000-gallon seismically-supported fuel tank ensuring uninterrupted power for as long as needed.

Additionally, flywheel UPS systems provide instant power transfer, ensuring that critical systems continue to operate without interruption, even if utility power is lost. This design adds an extra layer of resilience to the project, ensuring the hospital can function continuously, providing essential support during catastrophic events.

Work Currently in Progress

The project is currently focused on key tasks such as utility relocations, parking lot revisions, temporary helipad, site lighting, and providing temporary power. Asphalt and lighting in front of the existing cancer center are finished, and work is progressing on a road to bedrock for structural stability.

The helipad is being temporarily relocated due to its position in the utility relocation zone, ensuring Life Flight operations continue smoothly during construction. It will be moved to the top of the new hospital towards the project’s completion.

Behind the scenes, pre-construction efforts, led by Bob Breien, JH Kelly’s Electrical Sr. Project Manager, are focused on budgeting, constructability, value engineering, and coordination. Quentin Kauppi, JH Kelly’s Electrical BIM/Prefab Manager, leads clash detection and virtual design through the BIM coordination process, allowing off-site prefabrication for schedule efficiency. With the project timeline compressed, prefabrication helps keep the schedule on track.  

Long lead times for critical components, like generators, are being managed proactively. Due to a 90-week manufacturing process, the generators were submitted on, approved, and procured early during preconstruction, to address supply chain challenges and ensure timely delivery.  

Next Steps for the Columbia Memorial Hospital Project

The final completion date for the project is expected in spring of 2028, marking the completion of Phase 1B, which involves the new 182,807-square-foot hospital. Following that, the focus will shift to retrofitting and remodeling the existing hospital to integrate it with the new facility’s systems, ensuring seamless functionality between the two.

About JH Kelly

JH Kelly is a fourth-generation construction company that self-performs work across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. With a skilled workforce that includes plumbers, pipefitters, electricians, ironworkers, boilermakers, millwrights, carpenters, sheet metal workers, laborers, and operators, JH Kelly has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, diverse construction services.

In 2024, a roof fire damaged the iconic Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood, forcing the historic landmark to close temporarily, along with the surrounding ski areas. Fortunately, thanks to the quick and effective response from emergency crews, the Lodge reopened just several days later with no injuries reported. 

Timberline Lodge, constructed in 1937 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, is not only a vital part of Oregon’s heritage but also famously served as the exterior for the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 adaptation of Stephen King’s novel The Shining.

Amidst the recovery efforts, Dynalectric Oregon was called in to assist with the remediation and renovation work, ensuring the Lodge was restored to its former glory while meeting the modern demands of guests.

Dynalectric Oregon, a trusted partner in the Pacific Northwest for over 80 years, is affiliated with both NECA and IBEW as well as LEED Accredited, underscoring their commitment to sustainability. Their team brought their expertise to Timberline Lodge’s renovation, including new modern luxuries.

In January 2025, a new pool and hot tub were officially completed and ready to welcome guests. The centerpiece of the project, the glass-enclosed pool, offers unobstructed views of the majestic surrounding mountains, providing guests with a unique and relaxing experience after a day on the slopes.

Dynalectric Oregon’s team oversaw the electrical aspects of the project, handling everything from demolition to installation. Their work included the installation of the state-of-the-art pool mechanical room and equipment, the heated pool and spa, lighting control systems, snow melting systems, the sky bridge connecting the hotel, and the updated bathroom facilities.

This project exemplifies Dynalectric Oregon’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and the community, as they continue to serve the electrical needs of the Pacific Northwest with a dedication to both preserving the past and embracing the future.

As Timberline Lodge continues to welcome visitors from around the world, the transformation of its facilities ensures the Lodge will remain a timeless retreat, offering both historic charm and modern amenities for generations to come.

About Dynalectric

The Oregon division of Dynalectric Company (Dynalectric Oregon) has been meeting the unique electrical needs of the Pacific Northwest for more than 80 years. Throughout their history, they’ve remained committed to a local, personalized approach while evolving into one of the leading electrical contractors in the state.

Cowlitz County is seeing a rise in homeless, unaccompanied youth—children who are not in the custody of a parent or guardian.

To address this growing issue, Community House in Longview, WA built a new youth shelter called Beth’s Place. Beth’s Place is named in memory of Mariah Beth Morrison, daughter of Community House Executive Director Frank Morrison, who tragically passed away in 2023 from an overdose. Though she was not homeless, Morrison said her struggles with addiction inspired him to help others facing similar challenges—many of whom are homeless.

The name “Beth” comes from the Hebrew word for home or house, symbolizing warmth, comfort, and a sense of belonging.

Beth’s Place will provide a safe space for Cowlitz County teens aged 13 to 17 who agree to engage in substance use treatment and work toward sobriety. The focus will be on helping residents stay on track to graduate from school and find employment.

In this feature, we speak with Andy Busack, President and Co-Owner of Busack Electric, about his company’s valuable contribution to this important project.

How did Busack Electric become involved in this project?

This isn’t the first project we’ve done for Community House. We started working with them a few years ago when they acquired a commercial building in downtown Longview and converted it into a youth resource center. After that, they decided to renovate the first floor of their homeless shelter, turning it into a resource center where residents can access job rehabilitation counseling, veterans’ services, and other support to help them get back on their feet.

So, when this new project came up, it made sense for us to stay involved. Since we’ve already worked with Community House on Broadway and completed other projects for them, continuing the partnership was an obvious choice. This new shelter will be the first—and only—homeless shelter in Washington state dedicated solely to youth.

When did the project start, and what was Busack Electric’s role?

The project kicked off in the fall of 2023 and was wrapped up and handed over to Community House in October 2024. This was a big deal for our company, as it gave us the chance to keep some of our core team members busy. Being a family-owned business with just five electricians, projects like this are key to keeping everyone on the payroll.

We handled everything electrical from start to finish—fire alarms, lighting, power, new electrical service, voice and data cabling, and the security system. We took care of it all.

Did you face any challenges or need to think outside the box during the project?

While it wasn’t exactly a challenge, towards the end of the project, the state made a change during their final review before granting occupancy. They reclassified the building as a hotel/dormitory, which required us to go back and add extra exit signs and emergency lighting to meet new code requirements. It was an unexpected change, but we were able to quickly adjust and keep the project moving forward.

Can you share any stories or experiences from working on this project, particularly in terms of collaboration with the team or communication with the community?

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was working closely with the residents of Community House. Frank Morrison, the CEO, involved some of the residents in the project by giving them opportunities for general labor work like cleanup and garbage removal. This was a great experience for them, as many are working hard to get their lives back on track. It felt good to know they were gaining work experience while contributing to a meaningful project.

It was especially fulfilling to be part of something that directly impacts the community. As a contractor, I’ve always taken pride in the work we do. It’s great to be able to drive around town with my kids and point out buildings we’ve worked on and say, “Dad wired that.” In the future, I hope the residents of Community House, once they’re back on their feet, will be able to do the same. They might one day point to this youth shelter and say, “I helped build that when I was down and out.”

What are your thoughts on homelessness and the community’s role in supporting those in need?

I’ve always thought—it’s not a crime to be homeless. It’s not a crime to be poor. A lot of times, it’s not a choice. It’s a life disaster. A lot of times a family member gets hurt, and so all the money goes to medical bills and you go bankrupt. Maybe someone goes through a divorce or maybe has a substance abuse problem. We all know substance abuse is a powerful thing. No matter how hard people want to be clean and sober, sometimes it’s impossible to do without getting professional help.

The way I look at it is, that I don’t consider homeless people any less of a citizen in the community than I am. They just need a little bit of help because we could all be there someday. 

Literally, I could be there myself, so I don’t ever think it’s a crime to be homeless or poor. I look at all of those people and think, “There was a day when they weren’t in that position. It just kind of happened to them, so they gotta do what they can to get on their feet.” Any help the community of Longview can give them will be beneficial.

About Busack Electric

Started by Kelli and Andy Busack; this family owned and operated business provides expert electrical knowledge and skill to Cowlitz County and surrounding areas. You can connect with Andy on LinkedIn or visit Busack Electric’s Facebook page to learn more about the company and their recent projects.

Mentorship is vital for union apprentices to succeed in the construction industry and for companies to retain them. The management at Christenson Electric saw that mentorship provided their apprentices a better experience, and started a mentoring program to heighten the connection between all apprentices and experienced leaders.

“Many apprentices feel they do not have a voice,” said Chad Privratsky, project manager at Christenson Electric Inc. Privratsky also leads Christenson’s mentor program, which provides guidance to apprentices through private conversations, work support and leadership development.

Read the full article at Portland Business Journal.

IBEW Local 48 recognized three members for heroic actions—for saving the lives of two ironworkers after a roof collapse on a construction project in summer 2020.

At the union’s Dec. 15 meeting, members Kevin Jorgenson and Keoki Hookano each received the IBEW Life Saving Award, and Sergey Elikh received the IBEW Certificate of Recognition. The Life Saving Award is presented by the international union to any member who, by direct personal involvement, saves the life of a fellow human being. The Certificate of Recognition is awarded when a member did not meet the criteria for the Life Saving Award but deserves special recognition for their presence of mind, prompt action and genuine concern for a fellow human being. 

Read the full article at the Northwest Labor Press.