Building of new Shriners Hospital for Children in St. Louis is delayed

The faltering economy has stalled plans to move the Shriners Hospital for Children in St. Louis. Construction on the new 247,000-square-foot pediatric orthopedics hospital on Clayton Avenue was set to start in April on a six-acre site currently used as a parking lot. Shriners officials are now looking for at least a six-month extension on the construction start date, said John O'Shaughnessy, administrator of the Shriners Hospital for Children. The construction project is expected to cost $150 million and include space for 40 patient beds, four operating rooms, and 30 exam rooms.