April 2024
Walsh Construction joins University of Kentucky to break ground on new Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building
Lexington, Kentucky - The University of Kentucky (UK) has commenced construction on the new UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building, marking a significant milestone in the university's commitment to advancing healthcare in the state. This expansive 550,000-square-foot facility will serve as the new home for the UK Markey Cancer Center, the sole National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Kentucky. Alongside housing Markey's outpatient services, the building will accommodate a Comprehensive Spine Center, ambulatory surgery space, and various other outpatient services. Walsh Construction will oversee the project as the general contractor, along with design partners HGA Architects and Engineers and Champlin Architecture.
Walsh Construction joined the University of Kentucky, UK HealthCare, elected officials and multiple project stakeholders for a groundbreaking ceremony that celebrated the collaborative effort to enhance healthcare accessibility and innovation within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. UK President Eli Capilouto emphasized the university's role as a leader in addressing critical health needs and providing advanced care to Kentuckians, a sentiment echoed by Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, who highlighted the significance of investing in projects like the UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building to promote better health outcomes statewide.
(Walsh Construction team members celebrate the groundbreaking of the UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Care Building)
(Rendering: HGA Architects and Engineers | Champlin Architecture)
The pivotal project will consolidate Markey Cancer Center's outpatient clinics and oncology support services under one roof. Currently dispersed across multiple locations, this consolidation aims to streamline patient care, foster interdisciplinary collaboration among clinicians and researchers, and strengthen cancer treatment outcomes in Kentucky. Dr. B. Mark Evers, director of the UK Markey Cancer Center, emphasized the building's role in expanding care capacity and ultimately conquering cancer in Kentucky.
The UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building is designed to provide a comprehensive range of cancer care services, including chemotherapy infusion, radiation medicine, multidisciplinary oncology, and specialized clinics such as gynecologic oncology and hematology/bone marrow transplant. Moreover, it will accommodate expanded space for Markey's Cellular Therapy Program and Precision Medicine Clinic, offering personalized treatments and early-phase clinical trials to adult cancer patients throughout Kentucky.
(Rendering: HGA Architects and Engineers | Champlin Architecture)
(Rendering: HGA Architects and Engineers | Champlin Architecture)
In addition to cancer services, the facility will house a Comprehensive Spine Center that will incorporate a transdisciplinary approach, bringing together experts from orthopedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurosurgery, and anesthesiology to diagnose, treat, and prevent spinal conditions. Moreover, the building will feature dedicated space for ambulatory surgery and procedural services, facilitating cancer-related surgeries and endoscopic procedures.
Designed with patient input, the new facility will incorporate features to promote wellness, such as ample natural light, green spaces, and areas for meditation and collaboration. With its focus on patient-centered care, state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to research and innovation, the UK Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building represents a significant step forward in advancing cancer treatment and healthcare delivery in Kentucky and beyond. The project is anticipated to be complete in 2027.