Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is expanding access to inpatient rehabilitation care with the opening of its newly expanded sixth floor. The build-out adds 20 private inpatient rehabilitation rooms, increasing capacity to serve patients from across Michigan and beyond.
The project responds to a growing need for rehabilitation care. Over the last year, the Mary Free Bed inpatient census has regularly exceeded 90 percent, a rise from its historical average in the 80 percent range. With continued demand from partner hospitals as families continued to Ask for Mary, expanding patient capacity became essential.
“We’re all here to restore hope and freedom through rehabilitation,” said Kent Riddle, Mary Free Bed president and CEO. “This expansion helps us say ‘yes’ to more patients who need the compassionate and transformative care our teams provide every day.”
Growing to Meet Regional Demand for Inpatient Rehabilitation
In 2015, Mary Free Bed built its west addition, doubling the rehabilitation hospital’s initial patient capacity. That project included the ‘shelled out’ sixth floor, which was designed to serve additional patients as needed.
This final expansion project completed the last 13,000 square feet on the south side of the sixth floor. The $4.5 million project increased the number of rooms on the floor from 28 to 48 and brings the hospital’s total inpatient rehabilitation rooms from 147 to 167.
The new rooms were designed to support patients with a wide range of medical and rehabilitative needs. Each space features thoughtful design elements for patients, families and care teams, continuing the hospital’s emphasis on fostering a supportive environment that promotes comfort, healing and independence.
Built Through Trusted Local Partnerships
Construction on the project began in June 2025 and was completed in February 2026. Diekema Hamann Architecture designed the space, while Granger Construction brought the project to life. The two teams also collaborated on the first phase of the project when they built the initial 28 rooms on the sixth floor in 2023.
A Regional Resource for Inpatient Rehabilitation
With additional capacity, Mary Free Bed will be able to welcome more patients who travel from across Michigan and the Midwest for specialized rehabilitation. The expansion strengthens access for patients recovering from stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, trauma, cancer, limb loss and other conditions that need Mary Free Bed’s multidisciplinary care.
“We’re committed to providing extraordinary rehabilitation for every patient who comes through our doors,” Riddle said. “Opening this floor helps us meet the increasing demand while continuing to deliver the high-quality care people count on.”
Inpatient Admission Inquiry
Looking for inpatient rehabilitation care for yourself or a loved one? Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids is here to help. Visit our Inpatient Rehabilitation page to learn more about the admissions process.
