More than 1,000 people attended an open house Saturday to tour the new wing at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks.

It was the public's first glimpse of the 200,000-square-foot wing and its 90 private patient rooms, a project three years in the making.

The visitors included a wide cross-section of the community, seniors to families with young children, from all across Ventura County.

"When they first walk in, their eyes just about fall out of their head because they see the soaring three-story lobby, and it's just awesome," said Chris Carraway-Bowman, vice president for marketing at Los Robles, who was among the staff members greeting visitors.

Some families who live close to the hospital were interested to see how the construction they've been watching has turned out. Gary Paules was there with his 13-year-old daughter, Caroline, who was born at the hospital. From their home, a few blocks away, they can see the top floors of the new addition.

"It's a big structure," Paules said. "They've done as nice a job as they could with it, really. It's aesthetically pleasing."

Rob Elias, who also lives in the neighborhood, came by with his wife and young children. He, too, was pleased with the final result.

"It looks very updated," he said. "This looks like the 21st century."

The facility, and an already completed parking structure and helipad, cost about $120 million.

Visitors were given guided tours of the new wing, which also includes a new cardiovascular department. Karryn Grossman, who lives in Westlake Village, was surprised by what she saw. "I didn't realize all the modern equipment, the upgrades, and how up-to-date it is and cutting edge," she said. "It's terrific!"

Dr. Geoffrey Drew, who's a family physician in Thousand Oaks, agreed with her. "This is state of the art," he said. "This is the national best right here."

Helen Bowlin and her husband, John, both seniors, traveled from Camarillo to see the new wing. They've both been patients at the hospital many times and said they found being in "crowded little rooms" very difficult.

They're both due to have more surgery soon and having seen the new private rooms, Helen Bowlin said, "We're going to put it off until we can get into this part of the hospital."

The first patients will be admitted to the new facility at the beginning of September.

Jim Sherman, the president and CEO of Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center, was delighted with the reaction he got from people as they left the open house.

"It almost makes you want to get sick!' is what they say to me," he said. "It's good to hear the feedback that truly we've exceeded their expectations."