Clarification on Sullivan Hospital Article

Date Posted: October 8, 2026

Posted In: Discussion, What we are thinking about,

Editor’s note: On Wednesday (Oct. 7), the Forum newsletter and website published an article detailing a case study submitted by TJ Wies prefab on the use of exterior panelization for a medical office building at BJC’s Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital. David A. Gillick, executive director of the Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis, submitted the following letter to Forum Executive Director Tom Finan, challenging some of the article’s statements.

Gillick wrote:

We read your article, “Prefabricated Walls Help Sullivan Hospital Project Navigate Material Delays,” with great interest. The piece effectively highlights how modern scheduling flexibility keeps a project moving. However, on behalf of the masonry industry, we would like to provide an important technical correction regarding the building’s structural framework and the explicit roles dictated by the building code.

The article notes that a delay in custom split-face block occurred, but it may inadvertently leave readers with the impression that masonry held up the structural progress or weather enclosure of the building. To ensure your audience has an accurate understanding of the engineering mechanics on this jobsite, we would like to clarify three vital points:

1. The Structural System Was Steel and Concrete: The primary load-bearing structure for the Sullivan Hospital addition consisted of structural steel columns with concrete diaphragms. Neither the prefabricated backup panels nor the masonry blocks carried the structural load of the building.

2. IBC Compliance for Weather Protection: Under IBC Chapter 14 (Exterior Walls), specifically Section 1402.2 (Weather Protection), the exterior wall envelope must be designed and constructed to prevent the accumulation of water within the wall assembly. In this project’s design, the prefabricated backup panels were engineered to serve as that primary water-resistive barrier and building enclosure.
3. The custom split-face block functioned strictly as an architectural exterior veneer designed and scheduled to be installed after the pre-manufactured panels were in place.

Because the structural steel framework was erected and the backup panels successfully established the code-required weather enclosure, the building was completely dried-in.

This compliance is exactly what allowed interior framing, roofing, and mechanical trade work to proceed safely inside—fully independent of the exterior facade.

We understand this is a marketing piece, but it is unfortunate to see masonry positioned as a “scapegoat” for project scheduling challenges when the veneer did not affect the critical path of the structure.

Material selection and approval is critical at the earliest time feasible for smooth delivery, especially with any special orders. When custom components require extended lead times, early project coordination across the entire design team is what ensures realistic milestone planning.

Because masonry veneers are non-structural, they are highly adaptable finishes that can be seamlessly applied to a facade at any stage after enclosure without stalling critical path activities.

We highly value Construction Forum’s dedication to regional building insights and ask that this technical clarification be shared so your readers accurately understand the distinct roles of structural steel, IBC-compliant enclosure panels, and architectural masonry veneers.