Expansion of Lee Health’s New Fort Myers Medical Campus Moves Ahead with Revised Plans

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As Southwest Florida continues to experience unprecedented population growth, Lee Health is stepping up in a major way to ensure the region’s healthcare system keeps pace. The health provider has announced a significant expansion of its forthcoming Fort Myers medical campus, backed by a newly approved $150.5 million investment aimed at increasing capacity and enhancing services.

The additional funding will bring the total capital investment for the campus to $820 million, reinforcing Lee Health’s long-term commitment to high-quality, accessible care in one of the country’s fastest-growing regions. Key upgrades include the construction of a new patient tower and the integration of a child development center for staff—an addition that highlights Lee Health’s holistic approach to supporting both patients and its workforce.

A Major Boost in Hospital Capacity

The expanded plans will allow the new facility to accommodate 92 more beds, including 48 for acute care, 20 for a skilled nursing unit, and shelled space for 24 future acute care beds. When fully built out, the hospital will be capable of housing up to 260 beds, with 236 ready by opening day.

“This health campus offers a centralized location for wellness in our community,” said Dr. Larry Antonucci, president and CEO of Lee Health. “With this additional investment, we are reaffirming our commitment to being Southwest Florida’s leading healthcare provider by ensuring we have the infrastructure, technology, and compassionate care teams in place to meet the increasing healthcare needs of our residents and visitors.”

Childcare and Support Services for Healthcare Workers

A unique aspect of the expansion is the on-site child development center, which will replace the existing Lee Memorial Child Development Center. By relocating the center to the new Fort Myers campus, Lee Health aims to provide greater convenience for its employees and underscore its dedication to building a supportive work environment.

A Multi-Phase Project on a 53-Acre Site

Strategically located at the intersection of Colonial and Jones-Walker Boulevards, the 53-acre campus is designed to grow with the community. It will be constructed in phases and is expected to open in early 2028. Once operational, the facility will include:

A full-service hospital with up to 260 beds

A Medical Office Building, home to the Lee Health Musculoskeletal Institute

18 operating rooms and a 44-bed emergency department

Up to 24 ICU beds

A dedicated child development center for Lee Health team members

Future-Ready Healthcare for a Rapidly Growing Region

Lee County’s booming population has placed increasing pressure on local healthcare resources. Lee Health’s expanded Fort Myers campus is a proactive step to address these challenges while positioning itself as the region’s healthcare leader for decades to come.

With state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern patient care amenities, and dedicated facilities for staff support, the new campus reflects a forward-thinking vision tailored to the evolving needs of the community it serves.

Lee Health Fort Myers Medical Campus Expansion: Project Fact Sheet

Location: Colonial and Jones-Walker Boulevards, Fort Myers, Florida

Total Investment:

$820 million (includes an additional $150.5 million approved for expansion)

Developer/Owner: Lee Health

Scope of Expansion:

Addition of 92 new beds:

48 acute care beds

20 skilled nursing unit beds

Shelled space for 24 future acute care beds

New patient tower

Onsite child development center for staff and caregivers

Relocation of existing Lee Memorial Child Development Center

Lee Health Fort Myers Medical Campus Expansion: Features Upon Completion:

260-bed hospital (236 beds ready at opening)

18 operating rooms

44-bed emergency department

Up to 24 ICU beds

Medical Office Building housing the Lee Health Musculoskeletal Institute

Site Size: 53 acres

Construction Phasing & Timeline:

Multi-phase development

Target opening: Early 2028

Key Objectives:

Expand healthcare access in rapidly growing Lee County

Centralize medical services in a modern facility

Support healthcare staff through integrated childcare resources