The expansion and modernization of St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in Bayside, New York, a $114 million project that is expected to create 420 construction jobs is began in September with Turner Construction Company providing pre-construction and construction management services through a $72 million contract. Anshen and Allen of Columbus, Ohio is serving as the architect.

The project includes a five-story, 90,000 sq ft expansion of the current 90,000-sq- ft, 97-bed hospital that provides full medical care for infants through teenage patients with life threatening illnesses and injuries and the modernization of the building which was built in the 1950’s.

The modernization portion of the project will focus on the addition of indoor and outdoor rehabilitation and recreation space and will consist of patient neighborhoods, a home-like environment that includes wireless technology, alcoves for wheelchair/equipment storage, an area for patient/staff interaction, and a room for dining and socializing. Modernizing the hospital will also include family suites for overnight visitation, a rehabilitation wing, enhanced education and classrooms, an exterior entrance and a redesigned parking area with 58 additional parking spaces and a realigned entrance.

Funding for the project comes through a combination of innovative financing approved by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York and philanthropic support from the community. The New York City Council and the Queens Borough President also provided funding that will support the information technology infrastructure of the hospital.

“St. Mary’s is a jewel in New York City healthcare, providing an invaluable service to the most fragile among us,” said New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. “The City Council is pleased to play a part in the enhancement of patient care and safety for the thousands of children St. Mary’s treats throughout the city of New York and beyond.”

Construction is taking place in phases to allow for full occupancy of the hospital with overall completion scheduled for May 2013.