Russell family donates $25M to construction of new Children's Hospital

Children's Hospital is naming its proposed new facility Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children in honor of an Alexander City entrepreneur and philanthropist whose heirs donated $25 million for construction of the new building.

Ben and Luanne Russell's gift, announced Friday, is part of a newly launched $100 million capital campaign by Children's in anticipation of opening a new hospital in 2012. The donation is the largest in the history of Children's Hospital. The new facility and campus will be named for Ben Russell's grandfather Benjamin Russell. Benjamin Russell founded the Russell Manufacturing Co. in 1902. He was also a banker and land developer.

Ben Russell is CEO of Russell Lands Inc., which develops property on Lake Martin. He has been a member of Children's board of trustees for a decade.

Content Continues Below

Children's new hospital must receive state approval. It plans to build a new facility on the block directly north of the current hospital and would incorporate its existing buildings and the Children's Harbor facility. The hospital wants to expand to relieve crowding in the current building, help to accommodate projected growth in patient volumes and allow for anticipated medical technology needs and planned consolidation of pediatric services.

Children's plans to file its letter of intent with the State Health Planning and Development Agency in June and its Certificate of Need application in July.