Listen to this article

The basics:

• University Hospital begins campus overhaul July 1 in Newark
• New admin and clinical facility to open by 2027 at Bergen St.
• Rutgers to demolish 11 buildings for phased redevelopment
• Future phases include medical office and clinical tower builds

The first phase of a major project to expand, modernize and transform University Hospital in Newark gets underway July 1.

University Hospital, in partnership with Rutgers University, is undergoing a sweeping, multiyear, multiphase redevelopment plan. The effort kicks off with construction of the new administrative and clinical facility building (ADMB). The project will also include parking at Bergen Street and 12th Avenue.

“This is the first essential step in expanding the hospital building and signals the launch of a modern, leading-edge facility for the people of Newark and the entire region,” said Kaitlan Baston, interim CEO and president of University Hospital. “University Hospital has heard from the community for years about its desires for this re-envisioned campus through our brick-by-brick campaign and is finally turning that vision into reality.”

“This is about bringing patients advanced facilities for 21st-century medicine,” said Rutgers Health Chancellor Brian Strom. “Together with our partners at University Hospital, we plan to continue the momentum of this transformative project that builds on our joint commitment to bring expanded access to health care that this community deserves.”

Key things to know:

• Site preparation begins July 1
• Lot 8 as well as portions of Lot 9 and 10 will close for fencing and utility work. During this time, University Hospital does not expect road closures. It will offer alternative parking and pedestrian routes to University Hospital will remain open
• Rutgers will oversee the demolition of Buildings 6 through 16 in the Administrative Complex at Bergen Street and 12th Avenue
• New administrative building and parking area slated to open in 2027
• Construction of a second building – the medical office building (MOB) – is expected to begin in 2026. Once complete, the Doctors Office Center (DOC) and adjacent parking deck are expected to be razed. That will clear a full block for a future clinical tower to attach to University Hospital
• Patients will continue to receive services in the DOC until the new building opens; appointments will integrate into the larger, purpose-built space
• Officials stress there will be no interruption in care

“Alongside ongoing efforts to bring immediate improvements to our buildings, including our enhanced and modernized emergency department space that will be open for patients this summer, the hospital is thrilled to help bring a facility worthy of the extraordinary work done within its walls to Newark,” said Baston. The hospital leader left her post as New Jersey Health commissioner earlier this year to take the helm at University Hospital. Baston leads in and interim basis while the board of directors search for a permanent replacement to succeed former president and CEO Ed Jimenez. He stepped down from the role to helm Main Line Health in the Philadelphia area.

Updating an anchor

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said that the partnership between University Hospital and Rutgers Health means much more to city residents than merely cutting-edge medical technology, next level diagnostic and treatment equipment, and stunning architectural excellence.

“It means that their voices have been heard, their value recognized, and their dignity honored,” said Baraka. “The people of Newark have long desired this caliber of care and long deserved this intensive level of attention. So, as we mark the beginning of this dream come true – Newark is full of gratitude for everyone who has made it possible.”

NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said the agency is proud to partner with University Hospital and Rutgers University on this initial phase of development. Sullivan said the work will begin to overhaul the hospital’s infrastructure as well as create new economic opportunities in the city.

“University Hospital has been an anchor institution in Newark for decades, with residents from the city and across New Jersey relying on the critical health care services it offers,” said Sullivan. “The modernization of the University Hospital campus supports Gov. Murphy’s mission to expand health care services and improve health outcomes in disadvantaged communities, while generating new good-paying jobs and strengthening the local economy.”

“University Hospital and Rutgers Health play a critical role in delivering exceptional health care to New Jersey residents, both in Newark and throughout the state,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “Their partnership on the redevelopment of University Hospital’s new campus will help improve access to high-quality health care for our residents by bringing state-of-the-art tools and facilities to the Newark community.”

Building a leader

Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, D-29th District, represents Newark. She said this project will be a transformative asset to the city and state as a whole. Ruiz added the work will cement Newark as one of the premiere destinations in the country to practice medicine as well as to advance equity in care.

“With the expansion of University Hospital – New Jersey’s only public acute care hospital – taking hold, we are delivering on a vital promise to Newark and the greater community, one that affirms our families’ health matters and unlocks our region’s full potential to lead in health care innovation,” said Ruiz.

“The renewal of the biomedical campus will offer more critically needed, state-of-the-art services for patients, modernize facilities for our talented hospital staff, and will attract key research funding and the brightest minds in the field to learn and serve right here in our neighborhood.”

Tanya Freeman, chair of the board at University Hospital, said that this historic redevelopment is more than bricks and mortar.

“It reflects the strength and aspirations of the community it serves,” said Freeman. “Today’s milestone reaffirms our commitment to building a legacy of innovation, excellence, and opportunity that will endure for generations.”