In a groundbreaking announcement, UNC Health and Duke Health have made public Apex, NC, as the site for the Carolinas’ very first freestanding and independent children’s hospital. The recently christened NC Children’s will serve as the centerpiece of an enormous healthcare campus within the 1,200-acre Veridea development, a mixed-use community off Interstate 540 at the U.S. 1 interchange.
The multibillion-dollar project—estimated at $2 billion—will be developed on 230 acres of state pension fund-owned land, with officials targeting a 2027 groundbreaking and a six-year construction timeline.
“This campus will create a brighter, healthier future for generations of children and adolescents across North Carolina and the Southeast,” said UNC Health CEO Dr. Wesley Burks. “We’re thrilled to have Apex as our home and partner.”
A Historic Pediatric Healthcare Hub
When finished, NC Children’s will offer a complete network of pediatric research and care facilities. At its hub will be a 500-bed pediatric hospital with 1.6 million square feet, featuring an integrated central utility plant to support uninterrupted, 24/7 operations.
Some of the features of the healthcare campus include:
A 70-bed, 200,000-square-foot pediatric inpatient behavioral health hospital
A 350,000-square-foot medical office building integrating outpatient clinics, specialty services, and an ambulatory surgical center
A 200,000-square-foot administrative office building
A research and education center sponsored by the Duke and UNC medical schools
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Economic and Regional Impact
Along with transforming pediatric care, the project is expected to yield significant economic returns, with up to 8,000 jobs locating in Apex and the greater Wake County region.
The health systems are currently seeking design partners for the project, with responses to their Request for Qualifications due July 28.
Public-Private Partnership in the Works
Although UNC and Duke will fund the project in large part, state support is also anticipated. The exact level of public investment remains under negotiation between North Carolina’s Senate and House, as budget discussions continue.
NC Children’s will be included in RXR’s Veridea development, with 8,000 new homes, 3.5 million square feet of retail and dining, 12 million square feet of office and research space, and a new campus for Wake Tech Community College.
When complete, NC Children’s will be a nationally recognized pediatric care, education, and innovation hub—a signature collaboration between two of the state’s largest healthcare systems.
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NC’s 1st Freestanding Children’s Hospital: Project Factsheet
Project Overview
NC Children’s – The Carolinas’ first freestanding, independent children’s hospital, a historic collaboration between UNC Health and Duke Health.
Location & Development
Location: Apex, North Carolina
Site: 230 acres within the 1,200-acre Veridea mixed-use development
Address: Off Interstate 540 at U.S. 1 interchange
Land Ownership: State pension fund-owned property
Healthcare Campus Components
Main Pediatric Hospital
500-bed pediatric hospital
1.6 million square feet
Integrated central utility plant for 24/7 operations
Additional Facilities
70-bed pediatric inpatient behavioral health hospital (200,000 sq ft)
350,000 sq ft medical office building with outpatient clinics, specialty services, and ambulatory surgical center
200,000 sq ft administrative office facility
Research and education hub supported by Duke and UNC medical schools
Read also: Roper St Francis Healthcare Breaks Ground on $1.2B Hospital Campus in North Charleston
NC Children’s Hospital in Apex: Project Timeline & Investment
Total Investment: $2 billion (multibillion-dollar project)
Groundbreaking: Targeted for 2027
Construction Timeline: 6 years
Design Partner RFQ Deadline: July 28
Economic Impact
Up to 8,000 jobs projected for Apex and Wake County
Significant regional economic development catalyst
Funding Structure
Primary Funding: UNC Health and Duke Health
State Support: Anticipated (amount under negotiation between NC House and Senate)
Public-Private Partnership: Under development
Community Integration
Part of RXR’s Veridea development featuring:
8,000 new homes
3.5 million sq ft retail and dining
12 million sq ft office and research space
New Wake Tech Community College campus
Read also: Intermountain Health Selects Construction Team for Nevada’s First Children’s Stand-Alone Hospital
