Jacksonville, Fla. — According to permits pulled by Action News Jax, a cracked barrier wall on the third floor of Ascension St. Vincent’s Dillon parking garage is now prompting a $3.75 million repair project.
“I would say my concern would be the safety of the citizens if it’s something that’s utilized daily,” said Nigeria Stephens, who goes to Ascension St. Vincent’s for medical care.
Patient Janice Conner added, “You’re just always concerned because of what can happen.” She said, “But I feel like if I see it, someone else knows about it and they’re getting to the root of the problem perhaps.”
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Related: Riverside parking garage builder involved in previous garage collapse
Action News Jax told you in 2023 about the partial collapse of another parking garage at Ascension St. Vincent’s, which damaged dozens of cars.
Now, the hospital’s Dillon garage is set to begin structure-wide repairs this month. It will be closed to the public until the spring of this year.
In a statement sent to Action News Jax, the hospital said:
“Ascension St. Vincent’s consistently invests in our facilities to enhance the experience for our patients, their families, and our physicians and associates. A scheduled whole-structure maintenance project on the Dillon parking garage will begin in early January. The parking garage will be closed until the project’s anticipated completion in the Spring. Convenient alternative parking options have been developed, ensuring parking spaces are available for patients and visitors to self-park in the DePaul and King Street garages. Additionally, valet services will be expanded and provided at no cost during this time, and golf carts will be used to assist patients.”
Conner said any minor inconvenience in having to find a farther parking spot is well worth it in her mind when keeping visitors of the hospital safe.
“You have to just be understandable and know that they’re taking care of something that may cause future problems and loss of life,” she said. “So a little inconvenience is worth it.”
Related: Cars remain trapped in partially collapsed Riverside parking garage
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