Shreveport, La. – On Wednesday morning, Shriners Children’s Hospital marked a new milestone by breaking ground on a 43,000‑square‑foot, two‑story outpatient facility at the corner of Kings Highway and Samford Avenue. The site sits directly across from the organization’s historic campus at 3100 Samford Avenue, where the first Shriners Children’s hospital opened in 1922.
Centuries‑long legacy continues
“Today we break ground on a new building, but more importantly, we reaffirm our commitment to children,” said Dr. Leslie Stewart, chairman of the Shriners Children’s Board of Trustees. Stewart highlighted that the Shreveport location was the first hospital in the Shriners Children’s network and that the new structure represents the third facility the organization has built in the city over its 104‑year history.
From its modest beginnings, Shriners Children’s has grown into a global network of more than 160 sites in 33 countries, yet the organization remains rooted in the community that first welcomed it.
Design focused on families and outpatient care
The new building is being designed to support an outpatient model of care, allowing pediatric patients and their families easier access to specialty services without the need for lengthy hospital stays. The facility will house state‑of‑the‑art operating rooms, rehabilitation spaces, and family‑friendly waiting areas.
“Our goal is to create a healing environment that meets the needs of children and their families,” Stewart added. “By expanding our outpatient capabilities, we can treat more children closer to home while maintaining the highest standards of care.”
Comprehensive pediatric specialty services
Shriners Children’s provides specialized treatment for a range of conditions, including orthopedic injuries, severe burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. Importantly, the organization delivers care regardless of a family’s insurance status or ability to pay, reflecting its long‑standing mission to serve all children in need.
Construction timeline and community impact
Construction is expected to be completed in time for the facility to open in spring 2028. Local contractors and suppliers are participating in the project, contributing to job creation and economic activity in the region.
Community leaders have praised the development as a boost to Shreveport’s healthcare infrastructure. The new center is anticipated to attract patients from across the Ark-La‑Tex region, reinforcing Shreveport’s role as a hub for pediatric specialty care.
Looking ahead
As the groundbreaking ceremony concluded, Shriners Children’s reaffirmed its commitment to the Shreveport community and to families throughout the Gulf Coast. The organization’s continued investment underscores a broader trend of expanding high‑quality, accessible pediatric care in Louisiana.
When the doors open in 2028, the facility will stand as a testament to more than a century of service, innovation, and compassion for children facing some of the most challenging medical conditions.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
