CINCINNATI, Ohio—Skanska, a leading construction and development firm, has announced the completion of the renovation of the new Blood Cancer Healing Center, a new space for patients served by the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. This facility marks a historic milestone in cancer care, addressing the critical needs of the 1.6 million individuals affected by blood cancers in the U.S. annually.

The newly opened center marks a significant advancement in healthcare infrastructure and medical research. It stands as the nation’s most comprehensive blood cancer facility, uniquely offering every aspect of care—from inpatient and outpatient services to survivorship, integrative medicine, spiritual support, and cutting-edge research—all under one roof.

The center represents a significant step forward in the fight against blood cancer, offering patients access to the latest treatments and supporting researchers in their search for solutions. What makes this project even more unique is that here, patients receive access to world-class care and also receive a personalized care plan inclusive of whole-body wellness through the Osher Center for Integrative Health – one of only 11 in the world.

“Skanska is grateful to have been part of this transformative project,” said Chris Hopper, executive vice president and general manager for Skanska USA Building. “Our team has worked hard to make sure the new center offers a modern setting for both treatment and research. This collaboration shows our dedication to improving healthcare facilities and providing high-quality spaces that support medical discoveries and patient care.”

Champlin Architecture served as the lead architect on the project.

“Champlin had the privilege and honor of working on the UC Blood Cancer Healing Center which will provide a comprehensive approach to blood cancer treatment,” said Priya Dhuru, Principal with Champlin Architecture. “The Center will focus on multiple levels of cancer care and each portion of the building is an integral part in providing the community with a one-stop location for comprehensive care of all types of blood cancers.”

The 218,000-square-foot renovation project includes significant building upgrades and enhancements to meet UC Health and the University of Cincinnati’s standards. Formerly a hospital for Shriner’s, Skanska successfully converted the existing facility into a cutting-edge center for blood cancer treatment and research. Additionally, the project involved renovating the adjacent 197,000-square-foot parking garage, providing improved access and convenience for patients, staff, and visitors.

The fourth and fifth floors of the facility will further expand to include a retail pharmacy, blood cancer research labs, integrative medicine and survivorship wellness programs to complement patient care.

Key Features of the project include:

• Inpatient and outpatient care settings, including 30 inpatient beds
• Outpatient and infusion clinics.
• Survivorship and supportive services.
• Access to novel therapies and cutting-edge medical options, including cellular and stem cell therapies, through an Advanced Therapies unit.
• Integrative health therapies, including group wellness spaces, to support patients at every stage, mitigate side effects during treatment, and enhance overall quality of life.
• Extended care area will offer round-the-clock outpatient symptom support for all cancer patients.
• Transformation of the Former Shriners Hospital: The building has been converted into a specialized center for blood cancer treatment and research. This includes upgrading MEPFP systems, elevators, IT infrastructure, security, signage, hardware, and parking controls.
• Renovation of the Adjacent Parking Garage: The existing 197,000-square-foot parking garage has been renovated to enhance functionality and accessibility.
• Occupancy Details: The University of Cincinnati will occupy the fourth and fifth floors for research purposes, while UC Health will utilize the remaining three floors for treatment and patient care.
• The fourth and fifth floors of the facility will further expand to include a retail pharmacy, blood cancer research labs, integrative medicine and survivorship wellness programs to complement patient care. (Renderings of the fourth and fifth floors are included in packaging).
• Exterior Enhancements: The existing masonry facade has been sealed and restored, preserving the building’s historical integrity while ensuring modern functionality.

The Blood Cancer Healing Center’s world-class, women-led research team and care teams are at the forefront of cancer research, as blood cancer research has led to breakthrough discoveries for other forms of cancer.

The vision of John C. Byrd, MD, a leading figure in blood cancer care and research globally, the Blood Cancer Healing Center offers care in an accessible setting that feels like home for patients. “The Blood Cancer Healing Center embodies a new chapter in cancer care. With personalized, holistic care and pioneering research coming together under one roof, we are not just treating patients; we are giving them hope for a brighter future,” Dr. Byrd, a University of Cincinnati Cancer Center physician researcher, stated.

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LEXINGTON, Ky.—The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees has approved the initiation of the construction of the new UK HealthCare cancer and advanced ambulatory complex on South Limestone.

The board also approved an expansion of the original design for the facility to make room for other health care services and for patient growth. The revised financial scope of this project is $500 million, still well within the total legislative authorization of $550 million for this facility from the Kentucky General Assembly.

“We are making it so no Kentuckian should have to leave the state to access quality, patient-centered care,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “This expansion further solidifies and expands upon our efforts to advance Kentucky by improving access to our world-class experts and providers.”

The UK Board of Trustees first approved the planning and design of the new complex in May 2021. In December 2021, the UK Board of Trustees approved a purchase agreement for $6.9 million to acquire residential parcels across from UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital on South Limestone for the construction of the facility.

The new complex — with an estimated 260,000 square feet solely for cancer services — may include multiple buildings but will primarily allow for the needed expansion of patient care services and increased ease of access for the UK Markey Cancer Center. Other services housed in the new facility may include but are not limited to outpatient operating rooms, minor procedures, endoscopy, diagnostics and imaging services, pharmacy, retail, outpatient clinics, meeting spaces, and necessary support spaces.

As the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated center in Kentucky, Markey is able to offer cutting-edge and early phase therapies not available to patients being treated anywhere else in Kentucky. Since becoming an NCI-designated center in 2013, the UK Markey Cancer Center outpatient clinic visits have increased by 57%, including more than 120,000 patient visits in fiscal year 2021. Additionally, cancer-related research funding has increased by 109% since 2012.

The expansion of the current building design is necessary to allow Markey room to further grow and expand as more patients from in and out of state need its services, says Mark Evers, M.D., director of the UK Markey Cancer Center.

“In the past decade, we have seen an incredible increase in the number of patients – mostly Kentuckians – who need the level of expertise that our physicians and health care staff provide,” Evers said. “We want this building to last for the next 50 years. In a state that still holds the highest overall incidence and death rates for cancer, it’s important for us to be able to have the capacity to grow and treat more patients, with the ultimate goal of significantly reducing the burden of cancer in the Commonwealth.”

Additionally, philanthropic support will be a major component in developing the new facility. In February, UK HealthCare announced a historic $10 million gift from Central Bank – the largest in UK HealthCare history – to support expanded patient care at the UK Markey Cancer Center . This gift launches an initiative to raise $90 million to improve cancer care in Kentucky. Partners like the Markey Cancer Foundation, Lexington Cancer Foundation, and grateful patients and families will work together to see this philanthropic mission accomplished.

HGA Architects and Engineers and Champlin Architecture are leading the design on the project.

Allison Perry is deputy public relations director for the University of Kentucky Medical Campus.

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