Medical Center Sault Breaks Ground on $22 Million Revitalization Project
A new chapter is underway at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault as MyMichigan Health breaks ground on a $22 million revitalization project that will transform the downtown campus, enhance the patient and resident experience, and strengthen health care services for communities across the Eastern Upper Peninsula for years to come.
The groundbreaking marks an important milestone in the project, which includes three major areas of renovation and expansion: relocating the Behavioral Health Unit from Kincheloe to the Medical Center campus, expanding outpatient surgery and remodeling the Long Term Care Unit.
“This groundbreaking represents an exciting investment in the future of health care in the Eastern Upper Peninsula,” said Kevin Kalchik, president, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault. “For more than a century, this Medical Center has been an important part of the Sault Ste. Marie community, and this project allows us to build on that history while creating modern spaces and services that enhance the experience for our patients, residents, families and team members. This investment is a deep confirmation of MyMichigan’s commitment to Sault Ste. Marie and other rural communities.
Community and MyMichigan Health leaders joined together for a ceremonial groundbreaking at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault, marking the start of the $22 million revitalization project. Participants gathered with ceremonial shovels to celebrate the significant investment in the Eastern Upper Peninsula and the future of health care in the region. Pictured from left: Parker Fairbairn, State Representative, State of Michigan; Mark Savoie, president and CEO, Central Savings Bank, and board chair, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault Board of Directors; Hunter Nostrant, F.A.C.H.E., R.H.C.E.O.C., executive vice president and COO, MyMichigan Health; Bryan Cross, Pharm.D., F.A.C.H.E., president and CEO, MyMichigan Health; Kevin Kalchik, president, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault; Nicole Oliver, B.S.N., R.N., vice president of nursing, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault; Paula Rechner, M.D., vice president of medical affairs, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault; Shannon Beckman, B.S.N., R.N., CIC, long term care nursing director, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault; Rachel Aultman, system vice president of post-acute care, MyMichigan Health; Dan Scheffer, P.T., M.T.C., system vice president of support services, MyMichigan Health; Zara Masood, M.D., behavioral health service line chief, MyMichigan Health; Corinna Haller, behavioral health services manager, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault; Kathy Dollard, Psy.D., L.P., behavioral health service line director, MyMichigan Health; Rachel Richwine, operating room manager, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault, and Nikki Schmidt, M.S.N., R.N., C.N.O.R., C.N.L., system director of surgical services, MyMichigan Health.
As part of the project, the Behavioral Health Unit will relocate from Kincheloe, approximately 22 miles south of Sault Ste. Marie, to the Medical Center campus. Moving the unit to a centralized location will allow patients to access resources and support more seamlessly while bringing behavioral health services closer to the Medical Center’s broader care team and resources. The project received support through a $3.6 million investment in the FY2023 State of Michigan budget as part of efforts to increase access to behavioral health care services.
The project also includes an expansion of the outpatient surgery area with an addition to the main building. The expansion will add 18 new patient rooms and is designed to streamline workflows for staff while providing patients and their families with greater privacy, comfort and convenience.
The Long Term Care Unit will also undergo significant renovations, including a new HVAC system, updated dining room, modernized showers and bathrooms, a refreshed kitchen, redesigned nurses’ station, enhanced accessibility, updated interior surfaces and an improved façade. Residents will remain safely in their familiar surroundings throughout the renovation.
Construction is expected to continue over the coming months as work progresses across the Medical Center campus. While these projects are moving forward simultaneously, the Behavioral Health Unit is expected to be the first to reach completion in March 2027. Throughout the construction, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault will continue providing high-quality, patient-centered care and serving the needs of its patients and communities.
Those interested in learning more about the Medical Center renovations may visit www.mymichigan.org/saultproject.
