LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- State, local and other officials gathered Thursday morning to celebrate a major milestone in the construction of Louisville's new Veterans Affairs hospital.

The final beam — adorned Thursday with a Christmas tree — was signed by all participants and supporters at the "Topping Out" before it was placed atop the hospital, completing its frame. The traditional ceremony dates back centuries, honoring the construction crew and acting as a symbol of good luck for the building and its occupants, signifying a safe job well done.

There's still work to be done on the $840 million VA hospital before its targeted completion in early 2026. State leaders praised the work of laborers building the hospital — the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other supporters — while keeping the veterans and their health top of mind.

"This new Louisville VA medical center is so important to the people who call this region home and our entire commonwealth," Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday. "Right here, we're building the state-of-the-art veterans health care facility in the country — let me say that again — right here in Louisville, Kentucky."

When completed, the 104-bed hospital will be able to care for the 45,000 veterans in the Louisville area. It will include a Women's Health Clinic, utility plant and parking structures. It will be more than 910,000 square feet in addition to parking structures and 42,205-square-foot central utility plant.

Rendering of New Louisville VA Hospital

A rendering of the new Louisville VA hospital near the Watterson Expressway and U.S. 42 in eastern Jefferson County.

It will also employ hundreds of health care workers.

The project has been 15 years in the making, delayed by wrangling over its location and its funding. Sen. Mitch McConnell and Congressman John Yarmuth helped secure the funding for the new hospital over the course of four presidents. Construction was also delayed by opposition from some nearby residents who fought unsuccessfully in court.

The new location on Brownsboro Road in east Louisville will replace the aging medical center on Zorn Avenue, off River Road. 

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