East Texas Medical Center Tyler will start a $9.5 million remodeling project on June 19 to upgrade its front entry, expand its cafeteria and add a surgery waiting room.

The project, announced Friday, will make the hospital more appealing to patients and the public, administrators said.

“ETMC Tyler serves more than 200,000 patients and visitors each year, and we want them to feel comfortable in their surroundings and give them an environment that helps with the healing process,” said Bob Evans, ETMC Tyler administrator, in a news release.

Starting June 19, ETMC will have a temporary entrance at the front of the hospital, as workers begin constructing the new entryway. Windows will be replaced and the fountain will be updated, the release said. A multi-lane driveway will be added to improve traffic flow.

Workers will add 4,000 square feet to the cafeteria, enough for another 250 patrons, and a new surgery waiting room will be added to the second floor.

Construction is expected to last 18 months.

The hospital’s last major renovation was in 2009, when it added 72 new beds and a six-story parking garage.

Twitter: @tmt_roy