UMKC is constructing a $145M Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building in Kansas City to advance health care access and regional growth. The project will house dental, medical, nursing, and pharmacy programs, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Completion is expected in 2026, enhancing campus experiences and supporting health equity initiatives.
UMKC photo
As the largest capital project in school history, the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) will serve as the cornerstone of the UMKC Health Sciences District.
As the largest capital project in school history, the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) will serve as the cornerstone of the UMKC Health Sciences District. The $145 million project is south of downtown Kansas City at the corner of 25th and Charlotte streets.
"As one of about only 20 universities nationwide where dentistry, medicine, nursing, health studies and pharmacy are housed on a single, walkable campus, UMKC is uniquely positioned to foster interdisciplinary collaboration in the health sciences," explained Heather Zack Watenpaugh, director of planning, design and construction of UMKC. "This monumental project underscores the university's commitment to advancing health care, innovation and regional growth, marking a significant milestone in the development of UMKC, and positioning the district to emerge as a premier academic medical hub."
Watenpaugh said the overall vision for the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building is to enhance health care access and promote equity within the community.
UMKC photo
"By transforming the UMKC Health Sciences District into a regional hub for health care innovation, the building will not only attract talent and investment but also stimulate entrepreneurship and drive economic growth for Kansas City and the surrounding region. The Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building will be the home for UMKC School of Dentistry clinics; the UMKC School of Medicine simulation center; the UMKC Health Equity Institute; the UMKC School of Science and Engineering biomedical engineering program; and the Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center.
"The reaction on campus and beyond has been overwhelmingly positive. There's great enthusiasm for this transformative project, which will enhance health care access and drive regional economic growth. With strong support from the city of Kansas City, civic leaders view it as a pivotal step toward a comprehensive development plan for the district."
According to Watenpaugh, the new structure symbolizes UMKC's vision, enhancing campus experiences and setting a new standard for health care education and community engagement.
"As a catalyst for the UMKC Health Sciences District, it will serve as both an academic hub and a vital dental care resource for underserved communities," she said.
Construction on the building began in September 2024, with completion expected in 2026. McCownGordon serves as the general contractor for the project.
"McCownGordon is a great fit for this project, due to its client-first approach and experience with large, complex health care and higher education facilities," said Watenpaugh. "The building was designed in partnership with RDG Planning & Design and Clark & Enersen."
The project will enhance collaboration between UMKC and its health district partners, including University Health and Children's Mercy, increasing capacity for health solutions and patient care. It also will support UMKC's mission to advance health equity across Kansas City, benefiting initiatives including UMKC's dental clinics, the Sojourner Clinic and the Center for Health Equity, which works with places of worship and community centers in the urban core to address healthcare disparities.
Watenpaugh noted the primary project challenges include regional labor shortages, budget constraints and supply-chain disruptions.
UMKC photo
"The Kansas City construction market is facing labor shortages with skilled trades being distributed across numerous high-demand projects, impacting all ongoing construction. Additionally, although the project was originally planned as a four-story building for UMKC, it has been expanded to a five-story structure to support future growth. While supply-chain disruptions are not as severe as during the COVID-19 pandemic, material delays still occur intermittently for various reasons."
Key tasks include the continuation of site preparation and the initial groundwork. While these processes may appear slow, once the foundation is in place and the structure begins to rise, progress will accelerate rapidly.
Some key milestones will include the completion of the foundation, framing, exterior finishes and interior finishes. These are significant steps in the project, with the final milestone being the turnover of the building to the university. Each of these milestones marks a major phase in the construction process.
Before work began, the site was used for parking for the UMKC Health Sciences campus. Some underground utilities required demolition, but overall, only minimal demo was needed.
Approximately 40,000 tons of dirt will be moved on the project.
One unexpected issue so far has been the need to redesign the upper floors late in the design process. This adjustment was necessary to accommodate changes and ensure the project meets its goals.
Watenpaugh said the biggest concerns when building a 160,000-sq.-ft. structure that's focused on medicine and research are the rapid advancements in technology and the evolving needs of dental, medicine and research fields.
"Planning for the future in such a fast-moving environment is challenging. The goal is to ensure that the building is not only functional on day one of operation but also will continue to meet the needs of the users, as technology and research practices evolve over time."
Construction will be affected by the elements, as crews account for potential delays due to severe conditions.
"While we factor in extra days for inclement weather, building in this climate is not new for us, and we have learned to expect the unexpected and adapt accordingly."
The main equipment and materials being used for the project are selected to ensure durability and functionality, given the building's high-traffic nature and its use as both a public and student space. Soil excavation and testing involves backhoes and excavator track hoes. Shoring is put in place to hold the dirt to keep the soil perimeters stable and workers safe. The heavy machinery depends on how large and deep the area of excavation is, as well as site access and presence of buildings or structures that can't be moved.
UMKC photo
Cleanable, heavy-duty materials that will withstand frequent use and maintain their appearance over time are being incorporated in the project.
Watenpaugh said being part of a project that will have a lasting impact for years to come is extremely fulfilling.
"Offering this building to the next generation of dentists, physicians, health care professionals and researchers is incredibly rewarding. It provides them with a state-of-the-art learning environment that fosters collaboration, innovation and hands-on experience. This facility will empower students to better address the evolving needs of patient care and health solutions, shaping the future of healthcare in the region and beyond.
"Knowing that the building will support advancements in medicine, research and education, while benefiting future generations of students and professionals, makes the project particularly meaningful. It's rewarding to contribute to something that will play a key role in shaping the community and its future." CEG
Cindy Riley
Birmingham, Ala., native Cindy RIley originally planned on a career in law, but during her sophomore year in college realized journalism was her true calling. A magna cum laude graduate of Samford University, Riley first worked in radio and TV. Named Best News Anchor, Best News Reporter and Best Investigative Reporter by the Associated Press, she interviewed numerous personalities, ranging from Dr. Henry Kissinger and President Bush to Michael Jordan and Captain Kangaroo.
As a print journalist, Riley has covered a variety of topics, including construction, business, health and the arts. In addition to CEG, her work has appeared in special reports for USA Today and the L.A. Times. Other publications have included New South Magazine, Portico, Thicket, Alabama Heritage, B-Metro, Business First and Birmingham Business Journal.
Read more from Cindy Riley here.
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