UCHealth has begun a major expansion of UCHealth Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, advancing a $463 million project that will significantly increase the facility’s inpatient and clinical capacity. The health system has broken ground on a large-scale program that combines new construction with substantial renovation of existing space at the campus.
The expansion calls for more than 300,000 square feet of new construction, anchored by a new six-story inpatient tower. The tower is designed to accommodate additional inpatient capacity and support spaces that align with the hospital’s growing clinical programs. As part of the project, the hospital’s operating suite will be enlarged, with the addition of eight new operating rooms to handle higher surgical volumes.
The emergency department is also being expanded, with plans to incorporate 10 new clinical decision unit (CDU) beds. These units are intended to support patients who require extended observation and evaluation, enhancing overall throughput and capacity in the emergency care environment. With the expansion, the hospital’s total bed count is slated to increase from 140 to 190 beds. The initial phase of the project will add 34 medical-surgical beds and 14 intensive care unit beds, creating additional capacity for both general acute care and higher-acuity patients.
UCHealth is structuring the project to accommodate near-term needs while planning for future demand. Approximately 45% of the newly constructed space will be built out and equipped for immediate use once the expansion is complete. The remaining portion of the new square footage will be delivered as shelled space, allowing the hospital to bring additional clinical or support areas online over time as utilization and service lines evolve.
In addition to the new construction, the project includes targeted upgrades within the existing hospital building. Approximately 57,000 square feet of current space will undergo renovation. This component of the program will focus on modernizing key public and support areas, including a refreshed main lobby and an updated pharmacy. The hospital’s laboratory, kitchen and cafeteria will also be expanded, supporting both clinical operations and patient and staff services.
UCHealth has assembled a project team with defined roles to deliver the expansion. Hammes is serving as the owner’s representative and project manager, overseeing planning and execution on behalf of UCHealth. JE Dunn has been engaged as the construction manager, responsible for coordinating and managing the building work across both the new construction and renovation phases. Design responsibilities are led by Perkins&Will, which is serving as the project architect and guiding the overall planning and building program from a design perspective.
The expansion and renovation of UCHealth Memorial Hospital positions the Colorado Springs campus for additional inpatient, surgical and emergency capacity while reserving room for future growth through shelled space. The combination of new construction, phased build-out and modernization of existing facilities reflects a long-term approach to scaling healthcare infrastructure in the local market.
