Rutgers Health and University Hospital Break Ground on First Phase of Sweeping Newark Campus Redevelopment

Ceremony celebrates construction of new administrative building and sets the stage for improved care across the region

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

"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 Governor Phil 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."

With a ceremonial groundbreaking at 12th Avenue and Bergen Street held in Newark, N.J. on October 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.

"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, who helped negotiate the original Newark Agreements in 1968.

The groundbreaking follows the long-awaited demolition of administrative offices built in the 1970s - at the time intended for temporary use - marking the official start to construction and serving as a symbol of progress for the city of Newark. 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.

"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."

As construction of the administrative building progresses, work can begin on a new medical office building to replace the current Doctors Office Center at 90 Bergen St. The new facility across the street 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 can 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."

Speakers reflected on the critical role of University Hospital and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark's history and the importance of this next step for Newark's future.

"To serve the present and future needs of our patients, we must reduce disparities in care and ensure that the care provided 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. We will have a true community asset - a living, breathing promise that world-class care is right here in Newark," said incoming University Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Carole Johnson.

"At its core, this project is about people," Strom said. "It is about expanding access to care, improving health outcomes and revitalizing a critical health care corridor in the heart of this city."

"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," he said. "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."

The ceremony also included remarks from a broad range of leaders and elected officials involved in the project, including Rutgers University President William F. Tate IV, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, congressional representatives LaMonica McIver and Rob Menendez, University Hospital Chief Medical Officer Iris Herrera, Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, assemblywomen Eliana Pintor Marin and Shanique Speight, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo and University Hospital Board of Directors Chair Tanya Freeman.

"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 New Jersey Economic Development Authority. "Under Governor 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."