A bold plan to revolutionize emergency care in Syracuse while reshaping campus landmarks.
SUNY Upstate Medical University is embarking on a historic transformation of its emergency services with a $450 million expansion that targets longstanding issues like prolonged wait times and overcrowding. The project, which includes demolishing four iconic campus buildings to make way for a state-of-the-art trauma center, promises to dramatically improve care for the 1.8 million residents in Central New York. With new operating rooms, an expanded intensive care unit (ICU), burn units, and advanced imaging suites, the revamped facility is designed to deliver faster, more comprehensive care. Yet, this ambitious plan has ignited debate among community members and stakeholders about the loss of cherished campus structures. Read on to discover how this transformation will advance regional healthcare, the details behind the demolition of historic buildings, and what every affected party needs to know.
The Need for Expansion: Overcrowding and Long Wait Times
Addressing Critical Challenges
For years, SUNY Upstate’s emergency department has struggled to cope with an overwhelming patient load—serving more than 58,000 patients annually within a 35-bed facility. In 2023, average ER wait times hovered around 8.9 hours—an improvement over previous years yet still far from acceptable. These delays have forced approximately 16% of patients to leave before receiving treatment, emphasizing the urgent need for an overhaul. By expanding its capacity and modernizing its layout, the new trauma center aims to not only reduce wait times but also improve overall patient care, ensuring fewer critical patients are turned away.
A Regional Healthcare Hub Under Pressure
SUNY Upstate Medical University stands as the only Level 1 trauma center in a region that spans 15 counties. As such, the hospital bears immense responsibility for meeting rising healthcare demands and providing vital emergency services. Leaders at SUNY Upstate, echoing the concerns of local residents, recognize that without significant infrastructure investments, the hospital’s ability to respond to emergencies—ranging from everyday accidents to mass-casualty incidents—will remain severely compromised.
Campus Changes: Buildings at Risk of Demolition
The expansion will require the demolition of four key campus buildings, each with its own history and significance:
Jacobsen Hall
Historically known for its architectural charm and versatile function as an event space, Jacobsen Hall has hosted everything from alumni gatherings to corporate functions. Its aesthetic and historical value have made it a landmark for the campus community. However, its removal is seen as necessary to create the space needed for the new, much larger emergency department.
Clark Tower
Once serving as a dormitory and later repurposed as administrative office space, Clark Tower stands as a testament to SUNY Upstate’s evolution. Now, its potential demolition underscores the tension between preserving historical infrastructure and adapting to modern demands. Hospital administrators have stressed that although relocating operations may be disruptive in the short term, the long-term benefits of enhanced healthcare capabilities are paramount.
Campus Activities Building
A vibrant center for student and faculty engagement, the Campus Activities Building has long been a hub for social and recreational events. Its demolition will trigger the relocation of key services and community activities, raising concerns among students and staff about the loss of a beloved gathering space.
Center for Bioethics and Humanities
The Center for Bioethics and Humanities plays a critical role in integrating ethics, philosophy, and medical humanities into the university’s expansive academic mission. Its planned relocation, as part of the project, has sparked debate among academics and community members who worry about the irreversible loss of an institution that has long bridged medical practice with ethical inquiry.
Inside the New Trauma Center: Features and Benefits
Modern, Comprehensive Emergency Care
The transformation of the emergency department is perhaps the most significant element of the expansion:
- Expanded Capacity: The new facility will be roughly quadruple the size of the existing 35-bed ER, addressing the chronic issue of overcrowding.
- Advanced Service Offerings: New operating rooms and a sterile processing department will support a wider range of surgical interventions. An expanded ICU and dedicated burn unit beds make it possible to deliver specialized care without delay.
- State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Tools: A partial imaging suite equipped with cutting-edge medical and diagnostic imaging, catheterization labs, and interventional radiology will enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment speed.
- Future-Proof Design: The integration of scalable infrastructure ensures that the facility can expand further as the regional demand for emergency and trauma care continues to rise.
Direct Benefits for Patients
By integrating advanced technologies and expanding capacity, the project promises several immediate benefits:
- Shorter Wait Times: Patients are expected to receive care much more quickly in a facility designed to reduce bottlenecks.
- Increased Reliability: Comprehensive on-site services translate to fewer patient transfers and continuous, high-quality care.
- Economic Impact: The project will stimulate local job growth during construction and operation, further benefitting the regional economy.
One hospital leader stated, “We’re not just building a hospital; we’re investing in the future of healthcare for every resident in Central New York,” reflecting the strong institutional commitment to improving community well-being.
Ensuring Transparency: The Approval and Bidding Process
Fair, Competitive Bidding
To maintain fairness and accountability, SUNY Upstate is adhering to a rigorous Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process. This public bidding procedure invites design and engineering firms to submit proposals based on clearly defined criteria. Following the guidelines set forth in the New York State Office of General Services’ 2025 Design-Build Report, the process emphasizes transparency, competition, and diversity—including strong participation from minority and women-owned business enterprises.
The Design-Build Approach
By embracing the design-build model, the project consolidates planning, design, and construction within single integrated contracts. This approach minimizes project delays, controls costs, and streamlines accountability. All bid opportunities and outcomes are published on SUNY Upstate’s public bids portal, ensuring that every step meets the high standards set by state procurement laws.
Community Perspectives and the Road Ahead
Voices in Support
Many community members see the project as a necessary evolution. Healthcare professionals, local officials, and even some alumni believe that the long-term benefits—improved patient care and enhanced emergency readiness—justify the temporary displacement of campus traditions. The substantial investment in cutting-edge technology and expanded services is viewed as essential for protecting lives and promoting regional health.
Concerns Over Campus Legacy
Despite broad support for the facility’s modernization, concerns persist regarding the demolition of historic campus buildings. Students, alumni, and preservation advocates have voiced worries over the loss of cultural and historical landmarks that have defined the character of SUNY Upstate for decades. While the university has assured stakeholders that all essential programs will be carefully relocated, the debate between preserving history and embracing progress continues to reverberate within the community.
Expert Opinions
Experts agree that while the challenges of demolition and transition are significant, the benefits of establishing a modern, fully equipped emergency department far outweigh the drawbacks. By modernizing its infrastructure, SUNY Upstate not only addresses today’s patient care issues but also positions itself as a leader in innovative emergency medicine for the future.
Timeline and Next Steps
The journey toward a modernized emergency care facility is carefully orchestrated:
- RFQ Submission: Interested design and engineering firms must submit their qualifications by August 20, 2025.
- Evaluation and Selection: Over the following months, the submissions will be evaluated, and a shortlist will be created based on technical expertise and cost efficiency.
- Design and Regulatory Approvals: Once a final design is selected, the project will enter a regulatory phase before construction begins.
- Construction Phase: Anticipated to span several years, with the new facility shaping up to be a landmark of modern healthcare delivery in Central New York.
SUNY Upstate’s $450M expansion is more than just a construction project—it is an investment in the health, safety, and future of the community. By replacing outdated facilities with a state-of-the-art trauma center, the university is laying the groundwork for faster, more efficient emergency care that meets the demands of today and anticipates the needs of tomorrow. While the decision to demolish historic campus buildings is met with mixed emotions, the ultimate goal remains clear: to save lives and elevate the standard of healthcare for all residents in the region.
We invite you to join the conversation. Share your thoughts on the balance between progress and preservation, and help spread the word about the transformation underway at SUNY Upstate Medical University.
