UF Health Durbin Park is moving forward with a medical office building that is part of its 42.5-acre health and wellness campus in St. Johns County.
The county issued a building permit April 10 for the estimated $10.8 million project.
The 72,147-square-foot building is at 120 Flagler Health Way near Race Track Road.
Stellar, based in Jacksonville, is overseeing construction.
After receiving a building permit for a 150-bed hospital at the site Dec. 14, 2023, leaders from the University of Florida and UF Health broke ground on the project Feb. 21, 2024. The hospital was the first campus component permitted.
“I have two simple messages: First, if you want the highest quality of care, UF Health is here for you. Second, we’re here because the University of Florida has a bold vision for Northeast Florida,” Mori Hosseini, chair of the UF Board of Trustees, said in a February 2024 statement.
“Our bold vision will let us accomplish great things together. When it comes to going bold, UF knows a thing or two. Make no mistake: The University of Florida does not make small plans.”
The hospital will focus on orthopedics, neurosurgery, cardiovascular medicine and women’s services.
A central energy plant was permitted at a cost of $19.4 million on Dec. 30, 2024, followed by a permit for a helipad Jan. 2 at a cost of $100,000.
An ambulatory surgery center is also planned.
According to UFHealth.org, the first phase of the campus is expected to bring 2,000 new jobs to the area, contributing to a total of 12,000 jobs over time in St. Johns County and Jacksonville. The development represents a $1 billion investment in Northeast Florida.
“Once complete, this state-of-the-art facility will provide problem-solving care to the region, ensuring every community member has access to necessary resources. We expect the hospital to open its doors in mid-2026,” the website said.
In a Feb. 11 Facebook post about the hospital, UF Health said, “The framework for the third floor is already complete, and the team is hard at work on the roof installation of the fourth floor. Interior framing is 85% complete on the first floor, paving the way for our dedicated staff to soon deliver top-notch care to our future patients.”