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Tuesday morning marks a milestone moment for the transformation of Cooper University Health Care and the broader Camden community.

A groundbreaking will take place Jan. 28 to officially launch Cooper’s $3 billion “Imagine” expansion project. The endeavor calls for three new clinical towers with more than 100 private rooms. It also includes a significant enhancement of Cooper’s medical infrastructure to expand patient care access and create opportunities for medical research and innovation; as well as contributing to Camden’s economic growth.

As NJBIZ reported, a joint venture between the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and its construction manager – Torcon Inc./P. Agnes Inc. – will construct the project, which will have a decidedly Camden flavor to it.

The Carpenters will serve as the lead construction partner on Cooper’s expansion. They will help establish plans to ensure a hiring preference for Camden residents, overall workforce inclusion as well as hiring and recruitment for apprentice programs.

The union and its construction manager will also support youth and community programs, such as the Camden Health & Athletic Association and Camden Works. The latter releases a weekly listing of all job openings for every public and private city employer.

The groundbreaking ceremony expects to draw a slew of leaders, lawmakers and key stakeholders. Among them: current Gov. Phil Murphy, four former governors (Chris Christie, Jon Corzine, Jim McGreevey and Tom Kean); television star and South Jersey native Kelly Ripa; Cooper co-CEOs Kevin O’Dowd and Anthony Mazzarelli; and George Norcross III, chairman of the Cooper board of trustees.

A look back: South Jersey native Kelly Ripa’s 2022 video message about the Camden project:

As NJBIZ has reported, Attorney General Matthew Platkin, a Murphy appointee, indicted Norcross pertaining to Camden redevelopment deals. The state has alleged racketeering and other offenses by Norcross and his co-defendants, who maintain their innocence. A hearing was held last week to argue a motion to dismiss by the defense. The judge has not yet ruled on the motion. The next court date in that case is set for Feb. 27.

NJIBZ will be on hand for the groundbreaking. Stay tuned for pictures and further updates.

More big names:

The Cooper Foundation’s 14th Annual Red Hot Gala broke another record this year, raising nearly $4 million to support the growth of Cooper University Health Care. See photos of the event here >>