Connecticut Children’s Breaks Ground On New, Eight-Story Clinical Tower on 10th Annual Superhero Day At The Health System

Hartford, CT (April 28, 2023) – Connecticut Children’s team members, patient families and leaders joined together for a superhero themed groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the launch of the next phase of the health system’s growth and expansion plan, construction of a 190,000 square-foot, $326 million clinical tower on the front lawn and connected to the existing medical center in Hartford. Completion is scheduled for late 2025.

The clinical tower will include two floors with 50 private neonatal intensive care rooms, a fetal care center with six labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum rooms, as well as two dedicated operating rooms, and an advanced gene therapy unit where bone marrow transplants and liquid radiation treatments can be performed. A 14-bed acuity adaptable unit that can flex to accommodate any level of patient acuity. Open-air terraces on inpatient floors where families and team members can find respite. Expanded kitchen facilities, high tech meeting and conference space to support our commitment to education and an expanded pharmacy & gift shop.

“Today’s groundbreaking of our new clinical tower is not just a brick-and-mortar investment in Hartford and Connecticut, it’s a reflection of our commitment to children and part of a series of investments that will benefit patient families and the broader community,” said Jim Shmerling, DHA, FACHE, President & Chief Executive Officer, Connecticut Children’s. “Connecticut Children’s is proud to be a member of the Hartford community. And through our investment into the region and state, we will not only provide excellent clinical care, but also drive the local economy by creating more jobs, bringing training to the next generation of medical professionals and reinforcing Connecticut as a destination for care in the country.”

Adding to the significance of the day, the groundbreaking was held on the 10th anniversary of the health system’s beloved superhero day. A day where patients, families, team members and supporters of Connecticut Children’s dress as their favorite superhero as a reminder of their strength, courage and bravery.

“I can’t think of a better way to officially kick off the start of this project than with all of our superheroes here,” said Bob Duncan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Connecticut Children’s. “It certainly takes superhero strength and vision to build the future of children’s health. This tower will be much more than just an addition to our award-winning medical center in Hartford. It will mark a major milestone in our ever-evolving promise to innovate, offer new programs and technologies and provide continued exceptional care that community members and families have come to know and love.”

The construction manager for the project is DPR Construction. Many of the design and construction team members involved in the project participated in the ground-breaking by wearing their favorite superhero costume and joining in on the theme and the fun. CannonDesign is the architect of record for this historical expansion. This project involves dozens of local design and construction partners. Plans are underway to hold several local job fairs in the Hartford community to help fill any open construction positions.

About Connecticut Children’s
Connecticut Children’s is the only hospital in Connecticut dedicated exclusively to the care of children and ranked one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and a Magnet® designated hospital. Connecticut Children’s provides more than 30 pediatric specialties along with community-based programs to uniquely care for the physical, social, and emotional needs of children. Our team of pediatric experts and care coordinators bring access to breakthrough research, advanced treatments for both rare and common diseases, and innovative health and safety programs to every child. Connecticut Children’s is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to improve access to healthcare for all children through convenient locations, care alliances and partnerships.