First announced in September 2023, the region’s only dedicated inpatient cancer hospital will expand access to highly specialized, fully integrated cancer care. | Photo Credit: Payette
What You Need to Know
- Construction tied to Dana-Farber’s planned Future Cancer Hospital is set to begin in March 2026, with completion targeted for the end of 2030.
- Dana-Farber says the proposed 450,000-square-foot inpatient building is planned for 10 inpatient floors and 300 beds, pending regulatory approvals.
- Early work runs March–November 2026 and includes deconstruction of the former Joslin Diabetes Center and site preparation.
- Traffic and access changes start March 16, 2026.
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BOSTON — Dana-Farber Cancer Institute leaders say construction supporting the planned Future Cancer Hospital will begin in this month, bringing a multi-year building program and near-term changes to traffic and pedestrian access in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area.
According to a statement by Dana-Farber, the work is planned to continue through the end of 2030, beginning with deconstruction of the former Joslin Diabetes Center building and preparation of the site for new construction.
Dana-Farber is positioning the project as a dedicated inpatient facility designed around oncology care. “When all you do is cancer, patients benefit,” according to an article from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
The institute says the planned hospital, designed by Payette, will be located on the current site of the Joslin Diabetes Center and adjacent to both Dana-Farber and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, which it says will support a more seamless transition from outpatient to inpatient care.
Dana-Farber lists the proposed building program at 450,000 square feet across 10 inpatient floors, including 300 beds, dedicated parking for patients and families, and features intended to support an inpatient experience focused on oncology patients. Construction is subject to regulatory approvals. Early activity from March through November 2026 will focus on deconstruction and site preparation, with associated changes to vehicle routes, pedestrian walkways, bike lanes, transit stops, ambulance routes, and patient drop-off locations.
“Throughout construction, patient safety and access remain our top priorities,” according to an article from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
First announced in September 2023, the region’s only dedicated inpatient cancer hospital will expand access to highly specialized, fully integrated cancer care. The 18-month, rigorous review was conducted by several state and city agencies, including the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Boston Planning and Development Agency.
The new hospital is anticipated to fuel significant economic growth in the region, creating approximately 2,400 new jobs across all levels including clinical, nursing, support services, radiation oncology, imaging, laboratory services and pharmacy. Dana-Farber, HMFP and BIDMC expect to recruit more than 200 additional physicians over the next five years and are actively engaged in searches for key leadership and clinical positions.
This article is based on information posted by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute on its Future Cancer Hospital webpages. Dana-Farber did not list publication dates on the referenced pages.