Hammes Celebrates the Groundbreaking of UCHealth Memorial Hospital North Expansion Project
Major Expansion for UCHealth Memorial Hospital North
On October 13, 2026, Hammes, a prominent national real estate consulting firm, kicked off the monumental expansion at UCHealth Memorial Hospital North located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. With a hefty investment of $463 million, this project aims to strengthen the hospital's capabilities to better serve the burgeoning healthcare requirements of the local community. Hammes is not just leading the charge; they are the owner’s representative and project manager overseeing this complex endeavor.
The ambitious expansion project spans over 300,000 square feet and will introduce several key features, including a six-story inpatient tower, eight new operating rooms, and a significantly enlarged emergency department which will integrate 10 new CDU units. With this venture, the hospital's bed capacity will rise from 140 to 190, enhancing care by initially adding 34 medical-surgical beds and 14 intensive care unit beds. To facilitate this growth, the project will incorporate a six-level parking structure designed to accommodate around 875 vehicles for patients, staff, and visitors.
Roughly 45% of this new construction will be readied for immediate use, with the remaining portion left shelled for future expansion opportunities. Alongside this new construction, there is also a 57,000-square-foot refurbishment of the current hospital infrastructure, featuring updates to the main lobby, pharmacy, laboratory, kitchen, and cafeteria, ensuring a holistic upgrade to the facilities.
“This expansion stands as a testament to our commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality in Colorado Springs,” remarked Justin Franklin, Vice President of Hammes Healthcare. He further emphasized the delicate balancing act required to expand an operational hospital without disrupting patient care, stating that the team's priority is to proactively manage risks and ensure minimal disturbance to ongoing hospital operations. Hammes aims to deliver this project with safety, efficiency, and alignment with UCHealth's community-centric goals.
The project is a collaborative effort with key partners, including construction management from JE Dunn and architectural design by PerkinsWill. Upon completion, which is slated for the summer of 2029, the expansion will certainly contribute significantly to the local community, catering to the increase in healthcare service demands.
Hammes, founded in 1991, has carved a niche as a leader in healthcare real estate development, project management, and planning. Their commitment to delivering optimal healthcare solutions has earned them recognition as a top healthcare developer in the industry. With a strategic office network across the U.S., Hammes is well-positioned to manage large-scale healthcare projects effectively.
This expansion not only showcases Hammes's expertise but also reflects the ongoing evolution in healthcare infrastructure, responding to the needs of communities and ensuring that quality care is accessible to all. As Colorado Springs continues to grow, projects like this are vital to maintaining high standards of healthcare provision in the area.