Mardi

While Louisiana may be losing hospital facilities in Mandeville, Baton Rouge and beyond, New Orleans is only gaining beds. Along with the mammoth LSU VA Medical Center in Mid-city, construction is also beginning on the new Methodist Hospital in the East. But before they can build the new, they have to tear down the old.

Durr Heavy Construction is knocking down three buildings, including a six-story structure, that will make way for the new hospital. There is also some demolition in the East tower. The buildings were initially built in 1967.

Bringing the hospital that would provide Eastern N.O with badly needed local medical care is a $130 million project. Despite the city's budget woes, the project was financed thanks to a $97 million mortgage loan.

Officials see the new facility as a step forward in healthcare delivery for residents currently lacking hospital access.  

“This demolition paves the way for a first class hospital for the citizens of New Orleans East, the Lower Ninth Ward, and Gentilly,” said Ronnie Burns, Chairman of the Hospital Service Board. “I look forward to continuing my work with the Mayor to restore a full service hospital for our community.”

The hospital is slated to reopen in 2013.