University Hospital, in partnership with Rutgers University, will begin the long-anticipated
redevelopment of its Newark health campus Tuesday.
The project will begin 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 health care infrastructure across the Newark campus shared by the
Hospital and Rutgers Health and provide increased access to high-quality care.
“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,” University
Hospital Interim CEO Kaitlan Baston said.
“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.
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,” Gov. Phil Murphy
said. “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.
“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, housing new medical
facilities for outpatient clinics, physician offices and administrative services currently
located in the Doctors Office Center 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,”
Rutgers Health Chancellor Brian Strom said. “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.”
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,”
EDA CEO Tim Sullivan said.
“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.”
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.
Tanya Freeman, chair of the board at University Hospital, views 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,” she said. “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 wayfinding during this time. No municipal road closures are expected, and
pedestrian routes to University Hospital will remain open.
