Photo: The first building will include four new floors of administrative offices, 11,000 square feet of University Hospital clinical space for outpatient care and an 875-space parking garage. | Photo Credit: University Hospital
By Lindsey Coulter
NEWARK, N.J. — Rutgers Health and University Hospital celebrated breaking ground on the first phase of a multiyear redevelopment plan to expand the campus and increase access to care, world-class clinical services, education and research. The first building in the project will include four new floors of administrative offices, 11,000 square feet of University Hospital clinical space for outpatient care and an 875-space parking garage. The The full $1.8 billion modernization plan will include replacing aging buildings with modern administrative and cutting-edge clinical facilities, as well as a new trauma and surgical wing.
With a ceremonial groundbreaking in Newark on Oct. 23, government officials, organizational leadership and community advocates came together to emphasize the need for a modernized shared health sciences campus, underscoring the promise made to the community and surrounding region as part of the 1968 Newark Agreements.
“For decades, University Hospital has delivered critical care to New Jersey families. Today’s groundbreaking represents years of community-centered planning, along with a renewed commitment to advancing health equity and improving health outcomes for the people of Newark,” said Gov. Phil Murphy in a statement at the event. “When this project is complete, University Hospital will have the modern resources and facilities to better protect the health and future of both Newark and the surrounding region.”
As construction of the administrative building progresses, work will also begin on a new medical office building to replace the current Doctors Office Center, which will offer an expanded range of specialties to better meet the community’s ongoing health care needs. Once that project is complete, construction of a new patient tower will follow, along with major updates to the existing hospital building. This phased approach will ensure minimal disruption to patient care during construction, with patients continuing to receive services in existing clinics until the new facilities open. Upon completion, specialties will begin transitioning into the larger, purpose-built spaces in 2027.
“From the very beginning, this project has represented a shared vision, one to modernize and expand our campus so that our facilities match the excellence and dedication of our people,” said University Hospital Interim President and Chief Executive Officer Kaitlan Baston. “This new facility will give our teams the tools, space and infrastructure they need to operate and serve our community more efficiently. It will strengthen the foundation that supports everything we do, from patient care and research to education and community engagement.”