Regional One Health, in partnership with Shelby County and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, is advancing a $1 billion hospital campus in downtown Memphis. Officials announced that a team of ten firms has been chosen to lead the design and construction.
The project marks a major step toward replacing the aging Regional One hospital. Leaders say the facility is beyond its life expectancy and cannot handle future patient needs. Additionally, by developing a new campus, Memphis aims to strengthen healthcare services, expand research capacity, and stimulate economic growth.
Project Factsheet: Regional One Health New Campus
Developer / Partners Regional One Health, Shelby County, UT Health Science Center
Project Type Academic medical center / hospital campus
Scope Bed tower, trauma & burn units, women & infants, emergency department, oncology, post-acute and ancillary services
Design / Construction Teams National firms with Memphis-based partners
Site Former Commercial Appeal campus, Union Avenue, and surrounding parcels
Timeline
Design: 18–24 months
Construction: 4 years, Completion by 2031
Economic Impact Growth between $693.6M–$892.3M; 3,600 construction jobs + 2,300 secondary jobs
A Strategic Relocation for Memphis Healthcare
The existing Regional One hospital has long struggled with aging infrastructure. Therefore, leaders selected a new site on Union Avenue to avoid disruption during construction. Further, this location allows greater design flexibility, faster build times, and stronger cost control.
Moreover, the new campus will act as a catalyst for downtown Memphis revitalization. It will bridge the medical district with the city core, creating fresh opportunities for healthcare, education, and real estate development.
Local Firms Included in Project Teams
Officials stressed the importance of involving Memphis-based companies. Consequently, national firms must collaborate closely with local architecture, engineering, and construction partners. This strategy ensures that investment remains in the community and strengthens regional expertise, reflecting a broader trend noted among key healthcare construction projects across the United States.
The program management role has been awarded to Covalus and Allworld, working as a joint venture. HDR will lead architecture and interior design, supported by Memphis firms such as Self+Tucker Architects, brg3s, Meticulous, and Cornerstone. Construction management will be handled by Memphis Healthcare Builders, a partnership of Turner, Flintco, Nickson, and Fifer & Associates. Salas O’Brien will oversee MEP and fire engineering, while Magnusson Klemencic Associates will provide structural engineering.
Economic and Social Impact
Furthermore, officials believe the project will establish Memphis as a leader in medical innovation and patient care. At the same time, it will serve as a foundation for long-term economic growth across Shelby County.
Next Steps Toward Completion
The next 18 to 24 months will focus on design and budgeting. Following this phase, construction is expected to begin in 2026. The new Regional One Health campus is scheduled for completion in 2031, offering state-of-the-art care for generations to come.
