Pictured at the Nov. 7 groundbreaking ceremony at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg are, from left: Dr. Mark Meeker, director of physician practice, OSF Multispecialty Group; Sid Carlson, chairperson of the OSF St. Mary Foundation Council; Jeff Douglas, son of Dr. Gil Douglas; Sister Judith Ann Duvall, major superior of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis and chair of the OSF HealthCare Board of Directors; Roxanna Crosser, president of OSF St. Mary Medical Center; Lisa Lindstrom, president of the OSF St. Mary Medical Center Auxiliary; Adam Vitale, Community Advisory Board chairperson; and state Rep. Donald Moffitt (R-74th). (Provided photo)

GALESBURG — Work has begun on a $22 million expansion and renovation project at OSF St. Mary Medical Center here, the largest project since the center moved to its 3333 N. Seminary St. location nearly 42 years ago.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place Nov. 7 for the changes that will enhance the surgery, laboratory department, and Center for Outpatient Services at the medical center. The project will add two large operating rooms, two procedure and two consultation rooms, among other improvements.

Later the same day, blessing and dedication ceremonies took place at the newly renovated and expanded OSF Galesburg Clinic. The $11.5 million construction project took 17 months to complete.

The OSF Galesburg Clinic has served the area since 1940 and was originally located on Kellogg Street. The present facility opened at 3315 N. Seminary St. in the fall of 1972 and now has 26 physicians and about 100 employees.

In 2010, Galesburg Clinic joined OSF Healthcare and the need for renovation was discussed. The new clinic space has 102 patient exam rooms, an increase of 40 rooms.

Tours of the new space were offered following the blessing ceremony.