UofL Hospital downtown is set for a $144 million campus upgrade, anchored by a sleek, seven-story tower.

The campus expansion looks to increase operating capacity + modernize the facility. With it comes more than 360 beds — each in their own private room — 20 additional operating rooms, a new 24-bed observation unit, and space to accommodate two more floors for future growth.

A look inside the new lobby. | Rendering by JRA Architects

In addition to perks for patients and staff, guests will also enjoy a new lobby and waiting area + upgrades to the onsite coffee and gift shops. Construction is set to begin this spring, with the first patients being admitted to the facility in 2024.

The hospital expansion will additionally provide for 325 new jobs — which will benefit from the University’s new free undergraduate tuition program that begins this fall + allows full- and part-time employees, domestic partners, spouses, and their dependent children to get free tuition to the University of Louisville.

UofL Health isn’t the only local hospital with ambitious expansion plans. The new Robley Rex VA Medical Center on Brownsboro Road — which will replace the Veteran’s Hospital on Zorn Avenue — broke ground in November and should be complete by 2026.

You can take a virtual tour of the $840 million campus which will have 104 beds + include a Women’s Health Clinic, a 42,205-sqft utility plant, as well as new sidewalks and a roundabout.

While the project is only 5% complete as of Wed., March 9, you can follow along for construction updates here.