UTICA, N.Y. — Plans for the new $480 million hospital in Utica is one step closer to breaking ground. The new hospital for the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) has selected both an architect and builder for the 750,000-square-foot project. NBBJ, based in Seattle, but with offices throughout the country, was selected as the architect. New York-based Turner Construction will serve as the construction manager on the project.

“We are excited to be able to begin this next phase as it means that we are getting that much closer to this project becoming a reality,” said Scott H. Perra, president/CEO of MVHS in a statement. “Both companies have extensive local and international experience, with projects in New York and around the United States as well as in many cities abroad. The companies are committed to working with our local businesses whenever possible to complete the project.”
NBBJ and Turner have extensive experience working together and have completed more than $2.6 billion in projects, many which have focused on health care.

Planning for the hospital, which will be located in downtown Utica, began back in 2014. The new hospital was originally set to be an 830,000-square-foot facility at a cost of $573 million. However, the new cost projection is $480 million for a 750,000-square-foot facility.

“Planning a project of this magnitude occurs in several stages over the course of years,” said Perra, in a statement. “In late 2014, we developed estimates based upon preliminary design concepts. We continue to perform studies and evaluations to further refine the project as we advance through the phases of the development process.”
In addition, the original concept included 430 inpatient beds, while now the revised plan calls for 400 beds.

The project will also include a 24-bed in-patient “shell” that could be finished and used at a later time, if needed, according to an article by local news outlet WBIX. That decision alone saves more than 15,000 square feet of new construction and adds to the overall savings, according to WBIX.

MVHS will be involving the community throughout the design and construction process since it will impact those in surrounding areas. A completion date has not yet been set but project team members and MVHS will update the public as plans progress.

For more information about on project, visit MVHS’ website.