With the exception of maybe a communications tower, the tallest structure in the City of Georgetown this week is the crane in front of Georgetown Memorial Hospital that signals the beginning of a major renovation project.

The crane is being used to address roofing issues but is part of the multi-year renovations, said Ronda Wilson, Georgetown Hospital System Marketing and Communications director.

In this first phase of the project — expected to cost about $22 million —  a second-floor nursing unit will undergo major renovation.

Also, the hospital’s main entrance will be relocated from Black River Road to Memorial Lane.

The first floor “mall” area also will be reoriented, providing a new traffic flow pattern which will improve patient access and convenience for outpatient services.

In the first phase of the project, the building also will be re-roofed, heating and cooling systems will be replaced and the exterior of the hospital will be “re-skinned” with a new exterior surface.

Once Phase I of the project is complete, the GHS Board of Trustees will meet to consider Phase II.

By Scott Harper

sharper@gtowntimes.com