The Portland Planning Board unanimously approved Maine Medical Center’s plan for a 265,000-sq.-ft. building that will be built at the current location of a parking garage. (Wikipedia photo)

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Officials in Portland, Maine, have approved the final phase of a proposed $525 million hospital expansion project.

The Portland Planning Board on Dec. 17 unanimously approved Maine Medical Center's plan for a 265,000-sq.-ft. building that will be built at the current location of a parking garage.

Administrators said the building will include private patient rooms and cardiovascular rooms, and it will have a main entrance that will make it easier for visitors to access the complex.

Maine Medical Center Executive Vice President Jeff Sanders said the planning board decision marks a "very important milestone" for the hospital and community.

The hospital must complete work on a new staff garage before work on the third phase can start. The hospital expects to finish the building in 2022.

Today's top stories

Reconstruction of Frank J. Wood Bridge in Maine Under Way

Buffalo Looks to Improve, Protect Ralph Wilson Park

Webuild Ready to Rebuild Collapsed Baltimore Bridge

Make Eliminating Jobsite Distractions Company Safety Goal

VIDEO: Komatsu Holds Demo Days at Cartersville Customer Center

ABC: Over Half of March State Construction Unemployment Rates Down From a Year Ago

Allen Engineering Hosts 60th Anniversary Celebration

Tracey Road Equipment Plans Major Expansion in Utica