### Press Release

J. Benton Construction Celebrates Topping-Out Ceremony for the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute Interior Renovations

ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands — November 8, 2024— J. Benton Construction, a leading provider of construction and disaster recovery services in the Caribbean, is proud to announce the Topping-Out Ceremony for the interior renovations of the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute (CKCI). This milestone event will take place on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., with a celebratory lunch reception to follow at 11:30 a.m. 

A topping-out ceremony, traditionally held to mark the completion of a building’s framework, is significant for projects involving reconstruction and resilience, symbolizing a key step toward project completion. For the CKCI, this event celebrates the resilience and recovery of the healthcare facility and community following the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.  

The project, commissioned by Schneider Regional Hospital, has been focused on the careful and strategic dismantling of interior elements, including electrical systems, wall and ceiling structures, fixtures, and cabling, as well as flooring, cabinetry, and in-wall plumbing. Through systematic removal and decommissioning of HVAC and electrical systems, J. Benton Construction has worked to ensure the highest standards of safety and indoor air quality throughout the renovation process.

With a contract valued at $29,180,045, the redevelopment project commenced on March 5, 2024, and is scheduled for substantial completion by November 11, 2025. Currently, 45 skilled professionals are working diligently on-site to deliver the project on schedule. The topping-out marks a milestone in the project timeline, signaling significant progress toward the restoration and future operational readiness of the CKCI.

“Bringing this project to fruition is a proud moment for us,” said Felix Vega Torres, Superintendent/Senior Field Operations Manager at J. Benton Construction. “Each step forward reflects our commitment to safety, resilience, and restoring essential healthcare facilities to the Virgin Islands community.”

The Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute Redevelopment demonstrates J. Benton Construction’s dedication to quality and reliability in disaster recovery projects. By restoring CKCI, the company is supporting the regional healthcare system’s ability to serve cancer patients and provide essential services to the community.

For more information, please contact:

Contact:

Quiana L. Adams

Content Marketing Manager

J. Benton Construction

340.718.7222

qadams@jbcvi.com

_ _

About J. Benton Construction

J. Benton Construction is an experienced provider of construction and disaster recovery services in the Caribbean. Known for its dedication to safety and quality, J. Benton Construction proudly serves the Virgin Islands community with projects that bring essential infrastructure and resilience. 

###