New helipad marks first milestone in Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist care tower project

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist has completed the first step in its plans for a nearly half-billion-dollar new care tower.

The medical center has a new helipad, replacing the one that's on top of a parking deck that's being removed. The care tower will be built where that lot currently stands. 

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist officials say the completion of the helipad marks the first milestone in the $450 million project announced last year. 

A second helipad is planned, and a new elevator with enough room to accommodate several staff members is part of the plan to get patients to trauma care more quickly.

The project also includes an updated emergency department, enhanced adult intensive care units and advanced operating rooms.

The project is expected to be completed in 2026.