Construction for Mercy Medical Center-Sylvania has officially begun.
During a ground breaking event on Nov. 18, plans were detailed at the site of the future facility on the corner of Central Avenue and King Road. The center will feature 12 exam rooms, a laboratory and imaging center providing emergency care services 24-7.
Ground was broken on Mercy’s new Sylvania Township medical center during a ceremony Nov. 18. Toledo Free Press photo by Matt Liasse
The cost of the project is approximately $14.3 million, which includes demolition, construction and equipment.
It’s an exciting day for the people of Sylvania and the surrounding communities, Mercy Health Vice President of Operations Brian Smith said. He added the facility will be closer for the people in the area.
“In just over a year’s time, these residents will not have to drive that far and that’s something we’re honored to bring to this community,” Smith said.
The building will be where Central Elementary School used to be. The school’s cornerstone is being preserved and will be incorporated into the future medical building.
The school’s retired principle Toni Gerber said recognition of the school means a lot.
“When the property was sold, we wanted so much for it to be something that would be important because we felt the work that we did over the years was so important to so many families and so many children,” Gerber said.
The building will be where Central Elementary School used to be. The school’s cornerstone is being preserved and will be incorporated into the future medical building. Toledo Free Press photo by Matt Liasse
By honoring the elementary school, Mercy Board of Trustees Chair Charles Gallagher said a piece of history is being preserved “as a reminder of the past, present and future.”
Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center’s Vice President of Mission and Values Integration Father Joseph Cardone gave his blessing during the ground breaking event.
“As a Catholic institution, it’s important for us to have a blessing,” Marketing and Media Relations Manager Sarah Bednarski said in an email.
The center is expected to open fall 2015.
“There’s a saying that I would share with our staff and it’s: ‘What if our hearts and our hands combined in an occupation? What a wonderful and rich thing that would be,’” Gerber said. “I feel we did that for many, many years and I know that Mercy Health will continue to do that same thing.”
