Hammes Celebrates Groundbreaking of Academic Medical Center in Miami

On May 27, 2026, Hammes, a national firm specializing in real estate consulting and development, joined forces with Florida International University (FIU), Baptist Health South Florida, and local community leaders to mark the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Helen and Jacob Shaham Academic Medical Center in Miami. This development signifies a major step towards improving medical education, clinical training, and research opportunities in South Florida.

Project Overview

Hammes is tasked with project management for the newly planned seven-story academic medical center, which aims to significantly enhance clinical offerings in the region. The decision to select Hammes as the project manager was made based on its robust track record in managing healthcare facilities and delivering complex academic medical environments across the nation.

Construction for enabling work commenced in late 2025, and major construction activities are now in full swing. The new medical center is expected to be completed by late 2027, with operational capabilities anticipated by early 2028.

Features and Impact

This state-of-the-art center will encompass outpatient clinical spaces alongside an ambulatory surgery center. It marks the next phase in an already well-established partnership between the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and Baptist Health South Florida. As a primary clinical training facility for FIU's medical students for several years, this collaboration is set to strengthen Baptist Health's position as a leading teaching hospital.

Key Quotes

Osmel “Ozzie” Delgado, CEO of FIU Health, expressed gratitude to Hammes and all partners involved, stating, "We are grateful to Hammes and all project partners who are bringing the Helen and Jacob Shaham Academic Medical Center to life to advance medical education, physician retention, and innovation in patient care. This integrated academic and clinical environment will enhance collaboration among students, physicians, researchers, and healthcare providers while supporting the long-term healthcare needs of our region."

Wade Milligan, Hammes Healthcare's Regional Vice President for the Southeast, added, "The Hammes team is honored to serve as FIU's project manager on this state-of-the-art academic health sciences center. We have a highly experienced team in place committed to the successful completion of this project for FIU and Baptist Health."

About Hammes

Founded in 1991, Hammes has carved its niche as a vertically integrated real estate solutions platform specializing in healthcare facilities. The firm has garnered accolades for being a leader in healthcare development, as recognized by Modern Healthcare's Construction Design Survey for an impressive 27 consecutive years. It holds the number one spot for 21 of those years, emphasizing its strong expertise in healthcare real estate strategies.

With headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Hammes operates through a network of regional offices strategically positioned across the United States, delivering a range of services encompassing planning, project management, investment, and property management. As the Helen and Jacob Shaham Academic Medical Center progresses, it is poised to make a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape of Miami and beyond.