CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Sharp Chula Vista Medial Center broke ground Nov. 10 on the construction of a new hospital tower that will be located in Chula Vista. The new hospital tower, located on the same site as the Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, will add 138 private patient rooms, six operating rooms and a hybrid operating room that will serve the growing number of patients with specialized needs in the area.

This rendering of Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center highlights the exterior features that will be used in the building’s design.
Photo Credit: Sharp Chula Vista

The total cost to build the new tower is $244 million, an increase from $239 million after a $5 million approval to add a hybrid procedure room. The project is Sharp HealthCare’s largest investment to date and is being funded through philanthropic donations to Sharp HealthCare Foundation, bonds, cash reserves and the Medi-Cal hospital fee program, according to a statement from Sharp HealthCare.

“We’re committed to expanding Sharp Chula Vista as this bi-national community continues to grow,” said Pablo Velez, Ph.D., RN, chief executive officer at Sharp Chula Vista, in a statement.

The design-build team for the project includes Greely, Colo.-based general contractor Hensel Phelps; Los Angeles-based architecture firm SmithGroupJJR; and San Diego-based architecture firm AVRP Studios. The grand opening of the new hospital at Sharp Chula Vista is anticipated for 2019.

One of the newest features in the hospital is the redesigned main entrance and lobby. Here, large windows will greet patients with natural light, which will also help to maintain internal temperatures during summer months.

“What really makes this project special is that so many of the craftsmen on the project call the South Bay home and utilize Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center for their health care needs,” said Damian Buessing, director of operations at Hensel Phelps, in a statement.

The hospital will also feature five high-tech surgical suites that offer state-of-the-art technology that used to meet the needs of patients who come to Sharp Chula Vista with health problems that could not be treated at other hospitals.

At 343 beds, the hospital will provide a comprehensive heart program and will also offer specialized orthopedic care for and women and infants. Sharp Chula Vista is the largest health care provider in South County and one of the largest private employers in the county as well, employing more than 2,000 staff and maintaining relationships with nearly 500 affiliated physicians.