Construction of the center was completed in July 1996 and the Philips Linear Accelerator was delivered the first week of August. Commissioning and acceptance testing of the treatment machine and simulator was completed in October.

Staff was hired for the center and commenced training on the linear accelerator and treatment planning equipment in November. Orientation to the department and to Williamsburg Community Hospital services was completed and the staff prepared for the preliminary introduction of the center to the community with the first event for community leaders and the media on November 19.