(photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd. Class (SW) David Ham) National Naval Medical Center facilities project manager Aaron Guillen tends to landscaping duties yesterday to prepare newly renovated Mercy Hall for its re-opening Wednesday.

Renovations made to the facility where designed to improve quality-of-life standards for its residents and to bring the building into compliance with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.

The actual building phase is complete, said Bethesda’s Deputy Director of Administration Cmdr. John Lamberton. He said the command is now working on small amenities, like new flooring in the lobby and landscaping around the grounds. He said fine touches such as these are important in a wounded service members rehabilitation.

‘‘We focused on the ‘needs’ of the patients staying there and then we provided the ‘wants,’” Lamberton said. ‘‘Now we are creating an environment on the outside that is conducive to healing.”

An elevator and new ramps for wheelchairs have been installed making the building accessible for wounded troops at all stages of recovery, Lamberton said. Other improvements include wheelchair-accessible showers, wider doors and lowered towel racks.

Miguel Belen, Bethesda’s hospital engineer, said some people may think the project is a knee-jerk reaction to the conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s outpatient lodging. Bethesda’s Mercy Hall renovation, Belen said was planned long ago.

‘‘This [renovation] contract was awarded in September of 2006, well before the Walter Reed [incident],” told the Journal in May. ‘‘It was just time to modernize the facility.”

Modern intercom and fire alarm systems have been installed, as well as Wi-Fi internet connections and cable television.

Marine Sgt. James Bone, who has resided at the facility since July while recovering from a traumatic brain injury, said staying in Mercy Hall has been amazing.

‘‘This is like a hotel. It is the best barracks I have ever had,” he said. ‘‘There is nothing to complain about — we get free cable [television], free internet — if someone comes here and complains, then they just have issues.”

Bone said he has always heard of how the Navy and Marine Corps team takes care of its people since he joined the military. He said things like Mercy Hall prove that to be true.

The official re-opening of Mercy Hall will be Wednesday in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.