Valhalla, N.Y., October 17, 2025 — Westchester Medical Center, the flagship of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), today held a topping off ceremony to mark an important phase in the construction of its new, state-of-the-art critical care tower that will redefine life-saving care for the Hudson Valley and beyond.
To celebrate the completion of the steel framework, dignitaries, donors, hospital leaders, and staff gathered at Westchester Medical Center for the lifting of the steel beam that was placed atop the five-story structure.
“Today, we celebrate a milestone — the placement of the final steel beam — marking not just the end of one phase, but the beginning of the next,’’ said David Lubarsky, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of WMCHealth. “At this medical center, we deliver the most advanced, complex care in Westchester County serving more patients than all other health systems combined. This new ICU tower builds on that foundation, reflecting our role as the region’s destination for the most complex care.”
He added, “I want to express my deep gratitude to those whose vision and commitment made this possible: To our patients for continually choosing us to provide our care; Westchester County and the Westchester County Local Development Corporation, The Fareri family, our physicians, leadership team, and staff, our elected officials and our trustees and community partners. This beam symbolizes a collective achievement — the realization of a vision that will define the future of healthcare across our region.”
Currently under construction on the Valhalla campus, the Brenda Fareri Pavilion will be a 162,000-square-foot hub of advanced critical care medicine. Designed for the highest levels of complexity, the Pavilion will feature ICU-capable rooms and flexible, surge-ready spaces to respond to public health emergencies. It will also support world-class patient care programs, including advanced neurosurgery through the region’s most comprehensive Neuroscience ICU and the Hudson Valley’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center. In addition, the Pavilion will enhance a nationally recognized Cardiac Surgery Program, ranked among the top 50 in the United States for patient outcomes, and our Medical-Surgical ICU, ensuring that patients requiring the most advanced care have access to the very best resources and expertise. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.
After some final signatures were placed on the beam, construction workers lifted it into place eliciting applause and cheers from the audience. An evergreen was attached to the beam along with the American flag as part of a longstanding custom.
A topping-off ceremony is traditionally held when a building under construction reaches its full height, and the top beam is added. The ceremony dates back more than 1,000 years to when the Vikings would hoist an evergreen tree to the ridge pole in celebration of a completed building.
In addition to Dr. Lubarsky, dignitaries at today’s ceremony were: John and Brenda Fareri, whose family pledged a $5 million gift to support the construction; Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins; Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi; NY State Assemblymembers MaryJane Shimsky, Steve Otis and Dana Levenberg.
The Brenda Fareri Pavilion will cement Westchester Medical Center’s role as the epicenter of advanced medicine in the Hudson Valley. Together with Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, Westchester Medical Center operates the region’s only American College of Surgeons-verified Level I trauma programs for both adults and children. In 2024 alone, Westchester Medical Center treated nearly 7,000 adult trauma patients, while Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital cared for more than 2,500 children, underscoring the urgent need for expanded critical care capacity.
Beyond healthcare, the Pavilion will also bring significant economic impact, generating millions of dollars for Westchester County through construction and permanent jobs. Additionally, the project will provide free space in the main hospital to offer patients all private rooms, advancing both care and comfort.
Last month WMCHealth announced the public launch of the $25 million “Possible Starts Here” capital campaign to complete construction of the critical care tower. Of the $25 million goal, WMCHealth celebrated several transformational commitments from philanthropists throughout the region. Strong support has also been received from trustees, physicians, and employees across the network.
Community members are invited to help close the campaign and bring the Brenda Fareri Pavilion to life.
To learn more or make a gift, visit WMCHealth.org/CriticalCareTower or call 914-493-2575.
