With an estimated cost of $280 million, the building represents the largest single-project funding package in UofL’s history. The State of Kentucky has allocated $260 million toward the project, with the university providing the remaining $20 million.

“Today marks more than the start of a new building. It reflects a bold commitment to the future of health in our community and across Kentucky,” said President Gerry Bradley. “This new health sciences facility will accelerate discovery, strengthen our workforce and expand access to high-quality care. It’s an investment in people, in partnership and a powerful step toward building healthier lives, stronger families and a more resilient region.”

The , located along Preston Street from Chestnut to Gray, will be a connecting point for the UofL Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing and Public Health and Information Sciences. The building features extensive medical simulation facilities, along with dedicated spaces for learning, research and work. The six-story, 257,000-square-foot structure will enable UofL to increase enrollment in health professions programs to meet existing and future health care workforce demands.

“Investing in the UofL Health Sciences Center is a direct investment in the future of Kentucky’s economy. By modernizing how we train our next generation of nurses, doctors and dentists through simulation training, we are ensuring that our commonwealth remains a leader in health care innovation,” said Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers. “A healthy workforce is the backbone of a strong economy, and this facility will provide the critical infrastructure needed to train the next generation of health care professionals to serve the people of the commonwealth.”Ěý

The space is designed to facilitate interdisciplinary learning, instilling a collaborative, interprofessional approach to health sciences. The goal is to advance health professions education, empowering the next generation of health care providers to improve health and health care for people in Louisville, across Kentucky and beyond.

“Building a strong and resilient economy for Kentucky families starts with investing in people – those including our health care workforce. This state-of-the-art simulation facility will give students the hands-on training they need to master complex clinical skills before ever entering a hospital room,” said David Osborne, speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives. “By modernizing health care education, we are strengthening the pipeline of highly trained professionals ready to meet the demands of a 21st-century economy. Ultimately, this investment will lead to better care, improved outcomes and healthier communities across the commonwealth.”

The building’s modular classroom and conference spaces, research labs and workspaces are designed with the needs of learners and instructors in mind. UofL’s School of Public Health and Information Sciences will be completely housed within the building, while other spaces are customized for the Schools of Dentistry, Medicine and Nursing.

Extensive simulation facilities will incorporate the latest technology where health professions students, residents and clinical professionals can gain practical skills training. Jarrod Young, , is leading the development, integration and strategic direction of the simulation spaces.

“This groundbreaking is an investment in Louisville’s future,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “By uniting education, research and hands-on training, UofL’s new Health Sciences Building will grow the next generation of health care professionals, strengthen our workforce, improve health outcomes for people across Kentucky and reinforce Louisville’s role as a leading medical and education hub for Kentucky and beyond.”

The structure is infused with an emphasis on collaboration, engagement and wellbeing for those who use each space, with formal and informal working and gathering spaces, natural light and easy access to landscaped outdoor spaces. Casual dining and seating options encourage personal interaction. Abundant windows are enhanced with a unique scrim to prevent glare and heat gain, while still taking advantage of sunlight. The space provides multiple opportunities to access nature with plantings along the perimeter, terraced outdoor space and a microforest of dense natural landscaping on the building’s south side.

The building sits along the main corridor of the and borders the , which is improving walkability, health and safety by enhancing walkways and adding trees and green spaces to the streetscape.

The building design is a product of architects Champlin | EOP with Perkins&Will, and Messer construction is the general contractor. Construction is expected to be completed in 2029.

To learn more, visit the .ĚýView a of the construction site.

See the complete gallery of photos from the .

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The gift is part of continued renovation to the building that includes classroom, simulation lab and student lounge upgrades that make the School of Nursing a competitive destination for students.

The School of Nursing provides students with a nursing education experience while attracting and retaining top nursing faculty to guide students through today’s health care challenges. Great cities have great medical complexes, and this project will be a catalyst for the school to create healthier communities.

“We are so thankful to the Gheens Foundation for their investment in our students, programs and facilities,” said UofL Interim President Lori Gonzalez. “Donors like the Gheens Foundation make it possible for the University of Louisville to better prepare our students for promising futures.”

Ellen Tinker, a third-year nursing student has experienced first-hand the impact of donors like the Gheens Foundation.

“We will be learning, laughing and crying in these spaces,” said Tinker. “As a Cardinal Nurse, I am very grateful for the gifts they contribute to the nest that we have here in the School of Nursing. One of the most important parts of nursing school is the togetherness and collaboration we all get to feel in these newly renovated spaces.”

After donating $2 million to the university’s strategic plan in 2019, the Gheens Foundation has proven to be an important part of the university and students’ success. The donation was used for many campus improvements, including campus safety and security, employee onboarding, and tools forĚýstudent recruitment and retention.

Established in 1957 by philanthropists and entrepreneurs C. Edwin and Mary Jo Gheens, the Gheens Foundation has provided more than $130 million in grants to improve the quality of life for the residents of Metropolitan Louisville, particularly in the areas of education and human services.

“The very existence of The Gheens Foundation is a testament to the legacy of love and generosity of its founders, Edwin and Mary Jo Gheens, for the citizens and the institutions of this community,” said Barry G. Allen, president and treasurer of the Gheens Foundation. “I am confident they would be most pleased with the trustees’ decision to make this grant for the benefit of the vital mission of the School of Nursing, especially given the urgency and necessity to attract, recruit and educate the next generations of nurses.”

The latest donation from the Gheens Foundation adds to the $2.5 million already invested by various donors toward the School of Nursing improvement project.