Healthcare construction survives ailing economy. Architects, contractors see building demand for outpatient-care projects.

Capital for healthcare construction is tight and is likely to get tighter, but other forces in the industry are expected to foster moderate growth in building projects. While an ailing economy has afflicted commercial construction in other sectors, extensive renovation work associated with healthcare mergers and consolidations and a renewed emphasis on hospital-based, ambulatory-care facilities are trends that will continue to translate into new construction projects, according to MODERN HEALTHCARE's annual Construction & Architects survey.