Projects built

with proceeds from 2000 bond

Harborview Medical Center has opened its new inpatient building, named in honor of the late Norm Maleng, the King County prosecutor for almost 30 years.

“This new building enhances our community’s nationally recognized state-of-the-art medical care and Harborview’s continuing commitment to serve all of our residents with the highest standards,” King County Executive Ron Sims said.

“It also represents the best of our region: multiple organizations coming together to provide high quality, critical services to those who need it most. It is fitting that the Maleng name will greet those who use it: he epitomized collaborative, service-oriented leadership in our region.”

In 1989, Norm Maleng’s young daughter, Karen, received care at Harborview for injuries suffered during a sledding accident. Following her death, Maleng and his wife, Judy, became leading community advocates for Harborview’s role in providing emergency care for patients and support services for their families.

“The Maleng Building gives us an opportunity to greatly expand our service to the community,” said Johnese Spisso, Harborview interim executive director and UW vice president for medical affairs. “The amenities and space enhance our ability to deliver outstanding medical care in a patient- and family-centered environment. The project also provides for major seismic improvements to our campus that will ensure our readiness to respond after an earthquake as the disaster control hospital for Seattle and King County.”

In September 2000, King County voters passed a $193 million bond measure for construction of a new inpatient facility, an expanded Emergency Department and earthquake stabilization at Harborview.

The centerpiece of the bond project is the state-of-the-art Norm Maleng Building, which is built to the highest seismic standards. It provides Harborview with eight more operating rooms, 50 additional inpatient beds, and space for acute care, rehabilitation and clinic services. A six-story bridge building connects to the main hospital across the street.

Harborview is continuing to grow with construction on the Ninth and Jefferson Building. Scheduled to open in 2009, this 14-story tower will be home to expanded centers in neurosciences, orthopedics, vision and eye, spine, sleep, the UW Department of Global Health and vital King County services.