Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital (ESJH) launched in mid-May a $623-million campus redevelopment project that will replace the existing hospital with a new 21st Century facility.

Preliminary Site Concept for proposed Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital Redevelopment Project

Two major milestones paved the way for the hospital to move ahead with its campus redevelopment plans. On May 13, the Board of Directors of Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System (SCLHS) approved funding for the multi-year project, and on May 18, the Denver Planning Board unanimously approved the project’s proposed general development plan and City Park view plane variance request. Before the SCLHS Board approval, the Exempla Healthcare Board of Directors reviewed and approved the plans that will allow Saint Joseph Hospital to continue serving the Denver area.

“We’re proud to officially launch our Saint Joseph Heritage Project, which builds upon the legacy of our founders, the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, and our tradition of excellence,” said Bain Farris, ESJH president and CEO. “The new state-of-the-art hospital will significantly enhance our ability to continue serving the health and wellness needs of the Denver metro community including the needs of the underserved.

“Our caring for Denver residents began 138 years ago. The new hospital affirms our commitment to being a cornerstone of health and wellness for the Denver area for decades to come,” he added.

The hospital released a preliminary conceptual design of the site. The new 348-bed hospital is planned for a “mid-campus” location, creating an 826,000-sq-ft, highly efficient facility scheduled to open in December 2014. The Saint Joseph Heritage Project will be staged to allow for continuity of high-quality patient care and minimal disruption to patients, families, physicians, the surrounding community and employees.

The hospital has spoken with and gained input from the community, physicians and staff during the planning and development process.

Saint Joseph Hospital was founded by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth in 1873. In January 1998, Saint Joseph Hospital joined Lutheran Medical Center and Exempla Medical Group to form Exempla Healthcare, a not-for-profit, community-based health system that added a third hospital, Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center in 2004. Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System remains as a sponsor of Exempla Healthcare, along with the Community First Foundation.

Project status updates and construction alerts are posted to www.stjosephcommunitypartnership.com.