Largest green health care project in Upstate NY breaks ground today: St. Joseph's $220 million expansion is a "smart, green, healthy" building

St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse broke ground today on Phase 2A of a $220 million expansion project that will position it as one of the greenest and most ambitious health care expansion projects in Upstate New York.  The hospital, which has gained a well-earned reputation for top notch health care in many disciplines, particularly cardiac care, is taking it to the next level with a state-of-the-art project that not only embodies the latest technology, but  green design.  The silver LEED building will be a living test bed for how sustainable design can create a healing environment.  The impressive expansion project, which will enlarge the emergency facilities, operating suites and patient rooms, also includes a green roof, green infrastructure, expansive natural lighting, clerestory structures, energy efficient data center, and advanced heating, and energy management systems. 

At the ground-breaking it was noted that St. Francis is the patron saint of ecology, so it is fitting that a Franciscan hospital is at the forefront of an initiative that relates to sustainability and stewardship.  Phase 1 -- a $45 million expansion that created a medical office complex, parking garage and impressive lobby facilities -- has already been completed.  In addition, the hospital has been a catalyst for a neighborhood improvement project that also also includes the construction of new energy efficient residential units by Housing Visions Unlimited, and an innovative North Side Collaboratory project that is focusing on green collar job training for area residents.  It's a great example of "connecting the dots" when it comes to economic and community development, as speakers such as Congressman Dan Maffei pointed out at the event.

Read a more comprehensive overview of the project and details on its "green" elements at:
http://blog.syracuse.com/green/2009/11/st_josephs_hospital_plans_gree.html