University Hospital Kicks Off Major Expansion Project In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — University Hospital recently kicked off the “long-awaited” redevelopment of its Newark health campus in partnership with Rutgers University, marking the first steps in a sweeping, multi-year expansion plan for New Jersey’s only public hospital.

Last month, University Hospital began construction of the new Administrative and Clinical Facility building (known as the ADMB), which will 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,” interim CEO and president Kaitlan Baston said.

“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,” Baston said.

• See Related: University Hospital Discusses New ‘Ultimate Vision,’ Master Plan

Rutgers, as both a key partner in the project and the hospital’s primary academic affiliate, will play an essential role in advancing the mission tied to the new facility, administrators noted:

“The experienced team at Rutgers University will begin oversight of the demolition of Buildings 6 through 16 in the Administrative Complex at Bergen Street and 12th Avenue (often referred to as ‘the trailers” or “blue buildings’).”

Site preparation began July 1, when Lot 8 and portions of Lots 9 and 10 closed for fencing and utility work. There will be alternative parking available and additional security patrols and way-finding during this time. No municipal road closures are expected, and pedestrian routes to University Hospital will remain open.

The new administrative building and parking area are expected to open in 2027.

Meanwhile, the construction of a second building – the Medical Office Building – is expected to begin in 2026. It will house new medical facilities for outpatient clinics, physician offices and administrative services currently located in the Doctors Office Center (DOC) on Bergen Street.

Upon completion of this building, the DOC and adjacent parking deck are projected to be razed to clear a full block for University Hospital’s planned future clinical tower, which will be attached to the hospital, administrators said.

Patients will continue to receive services in the DOC until the new building opens. Appointments will then move “seamlessly” into the larger, purpose-built space – with no interruption in care, administrators said.

The hospital’s redevelopment plans have seen a thumbs-up from several elected officials:

Gov. Phil Murphy – “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. 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.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka – “This partnership between University Hospital and Rutgers Health means so much more to the residents of Newark 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. The people of Newark have long desired this caliber of care and long deserved this intensive level of attention.”

New Jersey Sen. Teresa Ruiz – “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. 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. This will be a transformative asset to our city and state as a whole, cementing Newark as one of the premiere destinations in the country to practice medicine and advance equity in care.”

New Jersey Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin – “University Hospital is more than a building. It is the state’s hospital, and for many in Newark and across New Jersey, it is the only door they can walk through to get the care they need. This first step in the long-overdue redevelopment reflects years of advocacy and planning. It represents real progress for the patients, staff, and families who rely on this hospital every day.”

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