Ronald McDonard House expands with new wing

On the 20th anniversary of its founding, the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House is completing construction of an addition that will double its current capacity. The Ronald McDonald House -- which provides a temporary home for seriously ill children and their families -- was the first of its kind, and has served as a model for 160 other houses throughout the world. The $4 million addition, called the U.S. Healthcare Center, will feature 24 additional bedrooms as well as living space and a 50-car underground garage. "We're very excited we can be of use," Executive Director of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Robyn Sole said. "The need is desperate, and we're happy to be there." According to Sole, planning for the project began in late 1990 and construction began last summer. It is expected to be operational sometime this fall. The land for the expansion, that had previously been used as a parking lot, was sold to Ronald McDonald House by the University. According to University Associate Treasurer Chris Mason, the University acted with charitable intentions in mind, selling the land at cost. "We couldn't say no, we didn't want to say no," Mason said. "We're happy to see it [the addition] moving forward so quickly." The addition was deemed necessary after the Philadelphia facility had to turn people away because of space constraints. The demand at the Philadelphia facility is acute due in part to its proximity to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "Places like the Ronald McDonald House are an absolute gift," Director of Family Relations at CHOP Robin Heller said, citing the cost and difficulties of travelling to receive top of the line care. Although they are independent of each other, CHOP and the Ronald McDonald House remain close, often sharing volunteers. "We are separate institutions, but most of our families come from the Hospital," Sole said.