Construction of a new orthopaedic campus commences at The Marketplace Mall
The University of Rochester (UR) has unveiled plans for a significant expansion of its orthopaedic services with the construction of the UR Medicine Orthopaedics & Physical Performance Centre. The project, initially announced in November 2019, is now estimated to cost $227 million.
The new campus, spanning 330,000 square feet, will be located at The Marketplace Mall in Henrietta. The former Sears building will be repurposed as an ambulatory surgery center, scheduled to open in 2022, with the rest of the facilities expected to follow in 2023.
The project site offers convenient access for patients due to its proximity to Thruway and interstate routes, as well as accessibility by public transportation. Essential infrastructure such as storm water drainage, utilities, and parking are already in place, significantly reducing project costs and shaving as much as a year off the construction timeline.
The new campus will meet the guidelines for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), a globally recognised sustainability certification. LEED-compliant structures are energy- and water-efficient, designed to reduce waste, lower their environmental impact, and operating costs.
UR Medicine Orthopaedics plans to retain its other suburban locations in Victor, Webster, Greece, and Penfield. Most orthopaedic outpatient programs currently at Clinton Crossings will move to the new site, with approximately 100 support and patient care staff set to move into offices at the centre later this year.
The project site is being prepared by the mall's owner, Wilmorite, for handoff to LeChase Construction, pending final New York State approval. Above the surgery center, LeChase will build a multi-story patient care tower with diagnostic imaging, clinic space, and other patient services.
The new campus is part of UR Medicine's efforts to expand and meet current and future patient demand for musculoskeletal services for patients of all ages. Over the past seven years, UR Medicine has seen a 25 percent increase in orthopaedic surgery cases and a 60 percent increase in ambulatory visits.
The project is expected to create more than 300 construction jobs at LeChase and generate business for local construction supply firms. Furthermore, the new campus will give patients and visitors convenient access to shopping, restaurants, and other amenities at The Marketplace Mall.
This ambitious project is a testament to UR Medicine's commitment to providing top-notch orthopaedic care to the community. With its focus on sustainability, efficiency, and patient convenience, the UR Medicine Orthopaedics & Physical Performance Centre is set to become a landmark in the region.
