Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center recently held a “topping off” ceremony to mark the completion of the steel construction phase of the 750,000-square-foot, 23-story outpatient David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care.

The cancer center is on schedule to open in 2019 and will see 1,300 patients daily and employ more than 1,600 people. When fully operational, it will enable MSK to expand access to outpatient surgery, innovative treatments such as immunotherapy, and early-stage clinical trials.

The center will provide advanced equipment and interiors that will highlight comfort and control, from privacy to lighting and temperature, and flexible personal and community spaces, educational offerings, and opportunities for exercise and physical movement.

With the building foundation and steel outline complete, the project team is now prepared to move forward by fully enclosing the facility and proceeding with interior construction. Given the building’s position near the East River, the design incorporates leading flood mitigation strategies, to ensure flood safety. All major utility systems have been located above grade level.

The architects for the center are Perkins Eastman and Ennead, the construction firm is Turner Construction Company and the environmental consultant is AKRF.