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It's been talked about for a decade, in serious planning for seven years. St. Mary's Health Center will break ground on a new hospital next spring.

"We will begin treating patients in the new facility in January of 2015,” said Brent Vanconia, Health Center President.

At $200 million, the new St. Mary's Health Center will be the largest development project in Jefferson City history. In response to consumer demand, the 365,000 sq. foot facility will put an emphasis on privacy.  All 167 in-patient rooms will be private.

"The same will be true in the emergency department:  no curtains, only solid doors,” said COO Cathy Abrams. “And our patients will even have their own corridors to travel in the new hospital.”

Before hospital construction can begin, MoDot must provide access to the site with a new interchange on Highway 179, between Edgewood and Route C. The mayor says that project will breathe new life into the local economy.

"And I truly think will be the tipping point for economic development for years to come,” Mayor Eric Struemph said.

Many have asked what is to become of the old hospital, once the new center opens.

“As stewards of the land, St. Mary's is working with a team of the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce to look at possible uses for the current site, one of which may be an academic center that would include participation by Lincoln University,” said Gabrielle Malfitti-Rachell, St. Mary’s Board of Directors member.