Wesley Medical Center to demolish parking garage but says it’s safe to still use

A recent visitor to the parking garage at Wesley Medical Center was alarmed to see various support structures that seem to be holding up parts of the garage.

“It is completely safe,” said Dave Stewart, market director for communications and community engagement for the hospital system.

“Those have been there for about two years.”

He said the walls aren’t in danger of falling in.

“The parking garage is structurally sound. It’s fine.”

Stewart said the garage is “toward the end of its life” and Wesley plans to replace it.

In a follow-up e-mail, Stewart wrote that demolition, followed by construction, will start later this year.

“We are still working out all the details of that project and developing plans for alternative parking for patients, visitors and staff, and will be releasing additional information as we get closer to the project start date. In the meantime, the supports (are) merely a precautionary measure designed to ensure the continued safety and stability of the structure. The supports are closely monitored and adjusted monthly by qualified structural engineers.”