The Portland (Maine) Planning Board unanimously approved Maine Medical Center's $512 million expansion project March 27, according to the Press Herald.
The project, which is expected to begin in May, will create a new entrance, new surgical units and a parking garage.
The first phase of the expansion will move the hospital's helipad, add two floors and 64 new oncology patient rooms to the hospital's east tower and 225 spaces to the parking garage.
Future phases of the five-year project will include constructing a 270,000-square-foot main entrance, adding 19 new operating rooms and adding 128 private patient rooms.
"This project is going to provide a tremendous benefit to Maine and all who need first-class healthcare in our community," Maine Medical President and CEO Richard Petersen said, according to the Press Herald.