JEFFERSON SPECIALTY CARE PAVILION: Transforming the Healthcare Landscape in Philadelphia
Upon its slated completion at the end of 2023, the impact of the new Jefferson Specialty Care Pavilion will be felt throughout Center City—as well as the entire Philadelphia region. This state-of-the-art facility—which was specifically designed to fit the needs of the patient and increase ease—provides centralized access to medicine for those in the region.
Additionally, not only will the 19-story, 462,000sf facility improve healthcare in the area, but the pavilion is also the center of National Real Estate Development’s $1B-plus urban development of East Market. “This project has the ability to transform the lives of many people,” says Michael Dolan, project executive at LF Driscoll, who is building the project in a joint venture with Hunter Roberts. “This will be a state-of-the-art facility with everything you need all in one location. This one-stop-shop will provide a beautiful place for people to heal.”
Demolition at the site began in late 2019 and early 2020—just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. However, the Specialty Care Pavilion was deemed an essential project and construction was able to continue throughout the pandemic. On top of the many logistical issues and health concerns that needed to be navigated during these times, Dolan notes there were other challenges the project faced—particularly the 11th and Chestnut Street location.
“We are operating in a tight urban area,” says Dolan. “We have residential buildings on all four sides. You need to have really good relationships with the tenants’ associations and the building managers. You also need to pay attention to what hours you are working and that you are compliant with all of the rules of the city.”
The project celebrated its topping off earlier this year and will be completed at the end of 2023, offering a slew of features. The Specialty Care Pavilion will have over 300 exam rooms, as well as 10 operating rooms and six endoscopy rooms. The building will also be the home of all medical and surgical specialties currently dispersed around campus, including a new single location for the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. Further, the facility will offer nearly 60 infusion chairs, as well as a retail pharmacy and locations for imaging and lab work. There will also be a rooftop garden, among other features.
Though the Specialty Care Pavilion will not be completed until 2023, its impact has already been felt in the area. During construction, the project has supported nearly 3,400 jobs. The facility itself is projected to have well over $600M in total economic impact.
For Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health, the construction of the Specialty Care Pavilion is a watershed moment.
“This building is both a critical facility and an ambulatory facility and brings a whole new technological revolution in healthcare,” says Pamela Ward, vice president of ambulatory program
development. “It’s the future of healthcare.”
By the Numbers:
19 stories
462,000 square feet
3 levels of below-ground parking
297 parking spots
12 EV charging stations
Project Details:
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Size: 9 stories/462,000sf
Client: National Real Estate Development
Architect: Ennead Architects/Stantec/Bower Lewis Thrower Architects
Engineers: Jaros, Baum & Bolles
Owner’s Rep: Aegis Property Group
Sector: Healthcare
Completed: December 2023