Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center broke ground on a $244 million, 197,000-square-foot hospital tower on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016; the new tower will add 138 private patient rooms, six large operating rooms, a rooftop café and more to meet the needs of the growing South County region of San Diego.

“We’re committed to expanding Sharp Chula Vista as this bi-national community continues to grow,” said Pablo Velez, PhD, RN, chief executive officer at Sharp Chula Vista. “An important part of that commitment includes building quickly and efficiently and be good stewards of the funds entrusted to us.”

The total cost to build the new tower is $244 million – an increase from $239 million because of a $5 million approval to build a hybrid procedure room. The project is Sharp HealthCare’s largest single investment to date and is being funded through philanthropic donations to Sharp HealthCare Foundation, bonds, cash reserves and the Medi-Cal Hospital Fee Program.

The design-build team for the project includes Hensel Phelps, SmithGroupJJR and AVRP Studios. The grand opening of the new hospital at Sharp Chula Vista is anticipated in 2019.

“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,” says Damian Buessing, director of operations at Hensel Phelps. “Their hard work will help create a place of healing that will serve their families and the community for generations to come.”

A great hospital provides clinical excellence with thoughtful consideration for the people it is privileged to serve. As a Planetree-designated hospital, Sharp Chula Vista’s new tower will include:

·         138 private patient rooms, including 10 intensive care suites

·         5 high-tech surgical suites

·         1 unique and versatile hybrid operating room

·         Redesigned main entrance and lobby

·         Rooftop café with panoramic views of San Diego

·         Additional space for support services, including pharmacy and kitchen