Listen to this articleThe basics:
- Groundbreaking marks Phase 1 of a multiyear Newark campus redevelopment
- Phase 1 includes: new four-story admin building, 11,000 sq. ft. of outpatient clinic space & more
- DEVCO leads development; Joseph Jingoli Son Inc. manages construction
- Project aims to expand access to care, modernize facilities & improve patient experience by 2027
A slew of officials gathered in Newark Oct. 23 for a groundbreaking ceremony with Rutgers Health and University Hospital. The event celebrated the start of the first phase of a sweeping multiyear redevelopment of the Newark campus.
The project aims to increase access to care, world-class clinical services, education and research – along with modernizing facilities.
NJBIZ has reported on the redevelopment plan at University Hospital. This groundbreaking follows the demolition of administrative offices built in the 1970s.
Key project details include:
- Phase 1
- As construction of the administrative building progresses, work will also begin to replace the existing Doctors Office Center at 90 Bergen St.
- Once that project is complete, construction of a new patient tower can follow, along with major updates to the existing hospital
Officials say the phased construction approach ensures minimal disruption to patient care. Existing clinics will remain open until new facilities are ready, with transitions expected in 2027.
Creating a new patient experience
“Today marks a major step in transforming health in Newark, for Newark, and most importantly with Newark,” said Rutgers Health Chancellor Brian Strom. “This is more than a construction project. It is a commitment to ensure that every person in Newark and across New Jersey has access to world-class care right here in their own community.”
University Hospital interim President and CEO Dr. Kaitlan Baston said, from the very beginning, this project has represented a shared vision to modernize and expand the campus. The work aims to match the facilities to the “excellence and dedication of our people,” she noted.
“This new facility will give our teams the tools, space, and infrastructure they need to operate and serve our community more efficiently,” said Baston. “It will strengthen the foundation that supports everything we do, from patient care and research to education and community engagement.”
Carole Johnson is the incoming University Hospital president and CEO. She said it is critical to reduce disparities in care to serve the present and future needs of patients – as well as ensure that care is of the highest caliber.
“When we finish this work … the University Hospital patient experience will be more personalized, efficient, and comprehensive than ever before,” said Johnson. “We will have a true community asset. A living, breathing promise that world-class care is right here in Newark.”
The next step
Officials noted the project honors commitments made to the community and surrounding region as part of the 1968 Newark Agreements.
“I’m proud to be here representing that negotiating team and to welcome this new building as the next round of buildings that will help carry on the mandate of the medical school agreement … for the economic and health benefit of the people,” said Junius Williams, a negotiator of the original agreements.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is also a key partner on the project.
“For decades, University Hospital has been an anchor institution in Newark, offering critical health care services to residents from across the state,” said Mary Maples, deputy chief executive officer of the NJEDA. “Under Gov. Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is investing in expanding access to health care, understanding it’s not just an investment in people’s well-being, but a key driver of economic growth and community revitalization.
“The NJEDA’s partnership with University Hospital and Rutgers Health will help strengthen the health care services it offers and improve health outcomes for disadvantaged communities, while creating good-paying jobs and bolstering Newark’s economy.”
Collaborative effort
Gov. Phil Murphy was among leaders (from all levels of government) on-hand for groundbreaking. He noted that University Hospital has delivered critical care to New Jersey families for decades.
“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 Murphy. “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.”
Strom stressed the core of the project is people.
“It is about expanding access to care, improving health outcomes and revitalizing a critical health care corridor in the heart of this city,” said Strom. “We are doing this together with the State of New Jersey, University Hospital, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the community leaders, legislators, and residents of Newark.
“As we turn the soil on this site, we are taking a major step in Newark’s story toward an even healthier and more equitable future.”
