Demand for MRI services exceeded the capacity of Springfield Clinic's unit at its Main Campus facility and in 2008, plans were made for the construction of an addition to Springfield Clinic 1st which would house a new 3.0 Tesla MRI, the latest in digital MRI technology.

A groundbreaking was held during the cold winter months of 2009 and with favorable weather conditions, construction, completed by Harold O'Shea Builders of Springfield, Illinois, move along well throughout the spring. By June, the expansion was complete and equipment was carefully moved into the facility. Special construction accommodations were made to install the MRI's camera. 

Representatives of Springfield's Chamber of Commerce and Springfield Clinic were on hand to celebrate the grand opening in Fall of 2009. The unit is fully operational and offers convenient access to state-of-the-art MRI imaging at Springfield Clinic 1st.