Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center plans massive expansion

An expansion estimated to cost between $550 million and $650 million will add hundreds of new jobs at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

The massive 625,000 square-foot expansion of its main campus in Avondale will create as many as 600 new jobs, our media partner WCPO reported.

“We need more space to care for the most critically-ill babies, kids and teens who come to us for care from down the street, across the country and around the world,” the hospital said in a prepared statement. “(Between) 2009 and 2016, the average number of patients spending the night at our main campus hospital grew more than 26 percent.”

MORE: Cincinnati Children’s Liberty Campus finds success in suburbs

The project would require the rezoning of more than six acres of land and the re-routing of Erkenbrecher Avenue, according to WCPO. The hospital hopes to add up to 150 new beds with the expansion, in addition to the 460 beds already located in two buildings adjacent to the planned new tower.

An expanded parking garage and new emergency department are also planned, along with new loading docks, pharmacy, kitchen space and respite space for both staff and families.

The project is still subject to revision and regulatory approval by the city of Cincinnati.

MORE: Cincinnati Children’s $120M cancer center opens in Butler County