(CBS DETROIT) – The $2.2 billion plan to expand Henry Ford Hospital is underway.
On Thursday, Detroit leaders, politicians, teams and community members celebrated the laying of the cornerstone. It was a momentous day not only for Henry Ford Health and its partners, but also for the community, especially those who live in the area.
They call it Destination Grand and in the heart of the complex, near the Lodge and Grand Boulevard, a huge party was celebrated.
The new, state-of-the-art hospital spans over 1.2 million square feet and includes a 20-story patient tower, with three floors dedicated to intensive inpatient rehabilitation in collaboration with the Shirly Ryan AbilityLab.
The Gilbert family donated $130 million to make this possible.
The emergency department will also double in size to 75,000 square feet. Operating rooms will all be capable of handling almost any type of complex surgical procedure, from transplants to brain surgery.
“This is going to be their home, their hospital,” said Bob Riney, CEO of Henry Ford Health. “We’re building park space and integrating music and art throughout the community. I think they’re going to find this to be a wonderful, welcoming addition to the neighborhood, and that’s our commitment. We want to grow and thrive in the area.”
The project is Henry Ford Health’s most significant investment in the city and the largest health care investment in Detroit’s history.
The project is due to be completed in 2029.