University Hospital, in partnership with Rutgers University, will begin the long-anticipated redevelopment of its Newark health campus on July 1, beginning with construction of the new Administrative and Clinical Facility building, known as the ADMB, which will include parking at Bergen Street and 12th Avenue. This marks the first steps in a sweeping multi-year, multi-phase plan to expand the hospital, modernize healthcare infrastructure across the Newark campus shared by the Hospital and Rutgers Health, and provide increased access to high-quality care for city residents and the broader region.
"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 reenvisioned campus through our brick-by-brick campaign and is finally turning that vision into reality. 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."
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. 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"). The new administrative building and parking area are expected to open in 2027.
"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," said Governor Phil Murphy. "This initiative complements our Administration's commitment to advance public health and bolster positive outcomes for patients and their families."
Construction of a second building, the Medical Office Building (MOB), housing new medical facilities for outpatient clinics, physician offices and administrative services currently located in the Doctors Office Center (DOC) on Bergen Street, is expected to begin in 2026. 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.
Rutgers Health emphasized the project's transformative impact on care delivery. "This is about bringing patients advanced facilities built for twenty-first-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."
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. The redevelopment aligns with the Rutgers 2030 master plan and strengthens a partnership with University Hospital that has served Newark for more than half a century.
"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," said Newark Mayor Ras J. 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."
Community leaders and hospital officials view the milestone as a symbol of long-term investment in Newark's future. "This historic redevelopment is about more than bricks and mortar; it reflects the strength and aspirations of the community it serves," said Tanya Freeman, Chair of the Board at University Hospital. "Today's milestone reaffirms our commitment to building a legacy of innovation, excellence, and opportunity that will endure for generations."
Site preparation begins July 1, when Lot 8 and portions of Lots 9 and 10 will close 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.
Economic development officials are also championing the project's broader impact. "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 NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. "The NJEDA is proud to partner with University Hospital and Rutgers University on this initial phase of redevelopment, which will begin to overhaul the hospital's infrastructure and create new economic opportunities in the city. The modernization of the University Hospital campus supports Governor 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."
Elected officials praised the project as a major investment in health equity and innovation. "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 healthcare innovation," said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). "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 premier destinations in the country to practice medicine and advance equity in care. I am deeply proud to be an advocate for University Hospital and health justice and look forward to all the new opportunities it will create."
"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," said Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin. "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."
Working together, University Hospital and Rutgers hope to deliver improved health outcomes, new jobs, and economic growth for New Jersey's largest city.
