RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo. - SSM St. Mary's Health Center unveiled improvements to its main entrance and lobby with a celebration Thursday, Jan. 19. 
More than 150 people attended the celebration. The improvements to the entrance, at 6420 Clayton Road, were made for the convenience of patients and visitors and include an enlarged and covered welcome area for patient and visitor arrivals; direct access to parking in the hospital's main garage; and more green space. The celebration was also the debut of two new original art pieces by Brother Mel Meyer, SM.
"St. Mary's is in the midst of an exciting transformation," said SSM St. Mary's Health Center President Kate Becker, citing such additional projects as upgraded nursing units; a newly opened Maternal and Fetal Care Center; a new women's evaluation unit; and a maternity care wing.
The improvements to the new entrance and lobby are a $7 million project begun in 2010 at St. Mary's.
The entire roadway was redone from Clayton Road to the East Garage to have a boulevard feel. Additionally, the access point to our main entrance changed. All traffic now enters at Clayton Road and 
DeMun Avenue where there is a traffic light. After dropping off a patient, a friend or family member can access the East Garage directly. Further, in the main lobby, the information desk is more visible and accessible to patients. The chapel is easier to find and more prominent.
The lobby renovation was funded by SSM St. Mary’s Health Center Foundation. The two new pieces of artwork by Brother Mel were purchased with funds donated by the SSM St. Mary’s Medical Executive Committee. 
Other project plans call for an ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge from the East Garage to the first floor. Additional roadwork will also be done around the East entrance.