Earlier today, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center hosted a groundbreaking and blessing ceremony to mark the start of construction on its new six-story inpatient bed tower. 

Hospital leaders, medical staff, community leaders and partners gathered at the tower’s future site – where demolition of the historic North Building was completed this summer – to celebrate the milestone.

“The healthcare needs of Northeast Wisconsin are growing quickly, and this tower is our direct answer to those ever-changing needs – right here on Green Bay’s west side,” said Bob Erickson, President and CEO, HSHS Wisconsin Market, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony. “This tower will give us the increased capacity we need to care for more patients, right here where they need us most.”

The new bed tower and a revitalization of the St. Mary’s campus will significantly expand the hospital’s access and capabilities, including:

• Expanding access to specialized care: Adding more than 100 private rooms dedicated to medical, surgical, and intensive care patients.
• Quadrupling intensive care capacity: Increasing ICU beds from eight to 36 to ensure critically ill patients can receive care closer to home.
• Advancing surgical capabilities: Building two new cardiovascular operating rooms and a dedicated cardiac procedural room to expand heart and vascular care.
• Paving the way for campus revitalizations: Freeing up space on the main hospital campus to construct new kitchen and dining facilities, enhance campus security and expand parking.

“Our physical space is changing, but our priority remains the same – delivering the highest standard of compassionate care today, while building the infrastructure we need for tomorrow,” said Leah Bergstrom, Chief Administrative Officer at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center. “Today marks a visible step toward the modernized future of our beloved St. Mary’s Hospital.”

Grounded in tradition, a site blessing during today’s groundbreaking ceremony honored the founding legacy of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, emphasizing the compassionate care and environmental stewardship that have guided the hospital system since its origin. The ceremony concluded with hospital leadership, board members and project partners grabbing hard hats and shovels for the ceremonial first turn of dirt.

The entire St. Mary’s revitalization project is anticipated for completion in 2028. For more information about the St. Mary’s project, please visit: www.stmarysgb.org/future.