$3.7B UC Davis Health California Tower Project Breaks Ground

The 910,000-square-foot UC Davis Health California Tower project has broken ground in Sacramento, California. The $3.7-billion project, slated for completion in 2030, promises to enhance health outcomes and support the socioeconomic fabric of the region. The project team includes McCarthy Building Companies and SmithGroup.

The progressive Design-Build project will encompass a 14-story hospital facility and a five-story pavilion, adding 334 private patient rooms designed to improve recovery and reduce infection rates. The project scope also includes two helicopter landing decks, advanced imaging and support services and complex procedure rooms, ensuring comprehensive healthcare delivery for the next 50 years.

The California Tower’s architectural design complements the existing UC Davis Medical Center campus, while setting a new vision for healthcare facilities. The 230-foot tower will be a prominent feature of the local skyline, with unitized curtainwall panels mixed with metal fins and structural glass planes enhancing both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. This design ensures patient privacy and supports reduced energy consumption, creating a welcoming and sustainable environment.

Sustainability is at the heart of the project, which is on track for LEED Gold certification. The building’s design includes energy-efficient systems, indoor environmental quality enhancements, water use reduction and rainwater management strategies, all contributing to a greener, more sustainable healthcare environment.