The Mahoning Valley's only pediatric hospital has announced an $18.6 million expansion project. 

Akron Children's Hospital will be officially breaking ground to expand its Mahoning Valley campus in Boardman by more than 51,000 feet on Wednesday, October 7.

The expansion will be divided into four phases. The first will begin in October and is projected to be completed in April of 2017.

The project will include a two-story addition to Building A, renovations to portions of the current building and a creation of a new entrance for the Beeghly campus.

The first phase of the expansion will add 47 exam rooms, including subspecialty and primary care.

Local heritage will be incorporated into the design to display elements that show the hospital's commitment to the community.

Funding for the project will come from the hospital's capital budget as well as support from the community.