Harlem hospital's $225M makeover.

Harlem Hospital Center will undergo a five-year, $225.5 million modernization and expansion, enabling Harlem Hospital to improve its physical and therapeutic environment and offer more state-of-the-art services to Harlem and its surrounding neighborhoods.

The capital funding for the project will be included in the Fiscal Year '05 Executive Budget. Harlem Hospital opened its doors in 1887 and serves a community whose residents suffer disproportionately from asthma, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

"Today's announcement means that when finished, Harlem Hospital will among the most technologically advanced hospitals--public or private--in the city," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg, last week during the press conference. "The modernization project will allow for growth and change to meet the community's diverse medical needs. Most importantly, Harlem Hospital's proud tradition of outstanding health care will be upheld and enhanced."

Harlem Hospital is currently comprised of seven buildings over two blocks. The upgrade will expand the hospital by 20,000 square feet; 150,000 square feet of new space will be built and 183,000 square feet of existing space will be renovated. In the course of the renovation, three antiquated and obsolete buildings will be demolished.

"The changes at Harlem will integrate inpatient, emergency room and outpatient services in a manner that is consistent with HHC's priority of patient-centered care," said HHC President Dr. Benjamin Chu. "HHC continues to embrace its mission to provide high quality health care to all New Yorkers and the new modern Harlem Hospital will be equipped to meet the growing needs of the Harlem community."

A new pavilion will be built on Lenox Avenue from 136th to 137th streets, and will house the hospital's new emergency department which will have separate walk-in and ambulance entrances.