A massive $450 million emergency room annex is on the horizon for Upstate University Hospital, and a New York design team is at the helm! This ambitious project aims to revamp the current ER, addressing its limitations and preparing for the future.
The state has selected Buffalo-based firm, CannonDesign, to bring this vision to life. They're no strangers to the healthcare sector, boasting extensive experience in hospital design.
The current ER is struggling to keep up with patient volume, and the new annex will replace several existing buildings across East Adams Street. The budget allocated by the state legislature is a substantial $450 million, but the exact size and scope of the new ER are still being determined.
CannonDesign will lead the architectural and engineering design, enlisting a team of sub-consultants and offering consulting services. While the exact cost for CannonDesign's services remains undisclosed, Upstate President Dr. Mantosh Dewan estimated the planning and design phase could cost up to $50 million.
CannonDesign's impressive portfolio includes projects ranging from college football stadiums to hospitals, with 1,400 employees and 19 offices. Their prior work with the state government, such as the $180 million innovation center at the University at Albany, showcases their capabilities.
A similar project, the 2019 design for a new ER and surgical suite at a Miami-area hospital, cost $275 million and featured a 7-story, hurricane-proof tower. The Syracuse project will include a Level 1 trauma center and a burn unit, serving a broad region.
Upstate's doctors and leaders are actively visiting other hospitals to gather inspiration for the new facility. This research will inform CannonDesign's plans.
Governor Kathy Hochul's office hasn't provided a specific timeline, but a dedicated point person will oversee the project's progress. This will help streamline the approval process, including obtaining a certificate of need from a state health facilities board.
Dr. Robert Corona, the hospital's CEO, hinted at a timeline that aligns with the expected growth from the Micron project. He emphasized the importance of the new facility in meeting the community's future healthcare needs.
But here's where it gets controversial... What features do you think are essential for a modern ER? Do you agree with the scale of the investment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!**
